The National Democratic Congress remain resolute in their quest to win the national elections on 7th December 2024. Having heard the cry of Ghanaian presidential aspirant John Dramani Mahama the NDC is bent on leaving no stone unturned in revamping the dwindling fortunes of Ghana under the 5th Republic if elected as president in the coming elections.
The manifesto of the NDC spells out measures which have the wherewithal to ameliorate impending problems of Ghana emanating from Galamsey, Corruption, Education, Unemployment, Agriculture, Infrastructural development and many others.
Former Director General of Ghana Ports Authority Lawyer Richard Anamoo, Spokesperson on infrastructure for NDC Manifesto spoke extensively in an interview with Ahotor 92.3 F.M. He brought to the fore measures outlined in the manifesto geared towards improving Sports infrastructure in the country.
Lawyer Richard Anamoo indicated that John Dramani Mahama and the NDC are looking at resetting the country because almost everything is in a bad state.
“The state of the economy is such that all Sports facilities are virtually dead. Sports facilities have been run down completely in the country. The Essipong Sports Stadium and other facilities in Bolga attest to it. A lot of money has been spent by the NPP on multipurpose Sports Complexes, astro turfs, you name them but all to no avail.
Richard Anamoo
John Dramani Mahama will be looking at reinstating and upgrading them. Work on facilities left dormant will be identified and prioritised. The NDC will make sure such facilities are brought back”
To a large extent, Ghana’s problem with Sports infrastructure hinges on maintenance. As far back as in 2008 Ghana could boast four standard Sports Stadiums capable of hosting any international match. This is in sharp contrast to what we have now. Lawyer Richard Anamoo believes the biggest threat to Sports infrastructure in the country is maintenance and this is one area John Dramani Mahama will look at.
“The marine environment cannot be overlooked in Stadium maintenance. The presence of salt and water are threats to the longevity of stadiums in such an environment.
Richard Anamoo
Babayara Sports Stadium and the others are in a bad state because of jobs for the boys. The right people are not at the post. Instead of providing the necessary maintenance tools they are paying people to paint the pitch. Under John Dramani Mahama all these sought things will be brought to a halt”
In furtherance, Lawyer Richard Anamoo added that John Dramani Mahama is targeting the whole economy of the country.
“The economy of the country dwells on every person, especially the youth taking an active part. Not just their academic knowledge but their physical being as well and for that matter Sports is very central”
RIchard Anamoo
He added that the NDC will be looking forward to exploring advertisement in mitigating challenges hampering the state of Sports infrastructure in the country.
Ghana is at its lowest point in terms of Sports infrastructure. The incompetence of the National Sports Authority under the NPP has culminated in the lack of a standard stadium to host category A matches. With CAF ruling out Babayara Sports Stadium, the Black Stars have to adopt a different home venue outside Ghana for upcoming Afcon and World Cup qualifiers.
Mustapha Hadji Dean – Ahotor Sports Desk
