The Essipong Sports Stadium in the Western Region, once a flagship venue for the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations, has fallen into alarming disrepair after years without meaningful maintenance.
The extent of deterioration came to light during a recent inspection led by the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, alongside the National Sports Authority’s Director General, Yaw Ampofu Ankrah.
With a capacity of 20,000, the stadium has not seen any major rehabilitation since it was commissioned, heightening concerns about its safety and readiness for competitive events.
Plans for the first two phases of rehabilitation were expected to cover a broad range of upgrades — from reroofing with anti-rust materials and replacing spectator seats to refurbishing washrooms, improving lighting, installing air-conditioning units, fitting glass panels and adding a new scoreboard.
However, the inspection revealed an additional complication: private developers have encroached on sections of the land surrounding the stadium. Adams urged the Regional Coordinating Council and traditional authorities to step in quickly to resolve the matter, warning that the encroachment poses a serious threat to the stadium’s long-term viability.
Beyond the initial rehabilitation works, authorities intend to further enhance the facility by renovating the pitch, upgrading public address systems, improving corporate boxes, expanding hostel accommodation, strengthening security zones and completing dressing-room areas excluded from the initial contract. These interventions are aimed at restoring the stadium to full operational capacity.
Adams reiterated the urgent need for sustainable financing to support sports infrastructure across the country. He called on the media to rally behind the Sports Ministry’s push to raise funds through the National Sports Development Fund, stressing that the government remains committed to revitalising the sector — a pledge reinforced by President John Dramani Mahama.
During the tour, the minister praised the quality of work done so far but expressed frustration over the slow pace of progress. He pressed contractors to expedite the process to ensure the stadium can be reopened as soon as possible.
Adams assured that the government will move swiftly to address the outstanding challenges and return Essipong Stadium to full use, positioning it once again as a key venue for national sporting activities.
