Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo has dismissed the head of the National Sports Authority (NSA) following a ban on the country’s main football stadium by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Dodzie Numekevor, who had been in the role for just five months, was sacked after CAF withdrew approval for the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi to host international matches.
The decision leaves Ghana without a CAF-approved venue, forcing the national team to play their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sudan in either Ivory Coast or Togo.
CAF cited poor pitch conditions, inadequate media facilities, and substandard changing rooms among the reasons for the ban.
The move has been described as “embarrassing” for Ghanaian football, with CAF President Patrice Motsepe indirectly criticising Ghana during a recent visit to Kenya.
“You can’t build football in Africa in any country when the national team and clubs can’t play in front of their nation,” Dr Motsepe said.
The NSA, responsible for managing Ghana’s sports facilities, has faced criticism for its handling of the country’s stadiums. Mr Numekevor’s predecessor, Professor Peter Twumasi, was also dismissed for similar issues.
Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo remains silent on allegations involving his cousin’s role in stadium renovations. Reports suggest that Kelvin Ofori-Atta’s company, Coupbay, received over 85 million Ghanaian cedis (£5.7m) for renovation work on national stadiums, despite no apparent work being carried out.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP for North Tongu, claims these funds were part of contracts given to “crony companies”. He argues that if these contracts had delivered value for money, Ghana could have avoided the CAF ban.
Despite the president’s swift action against the NSA chief, he has yet to address these allegations involving his family member, raising questions about accountability and transparency in the allocation of renovation funds.
Ghana is now racing against time to find a solution before their crucial AFCON qualifier against Sudan in October.
