GFA Exco member slams NSA staff; details role of Akufo-Addo, minister in stadium approval

Frederick Acheampong, a member of the Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association, has lashed out at the staff and management of the National Sports Authority over their lackadaisical role that resulted in the imposition of a ban on the Black Stars from playing matches at home.

During an appearance on Kessben TV, Frederick Acheampong explained the extent of work the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, had to do to get the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to grant the Accra Sports Stadium temporary approval.

He said that the determination and desire shown by the sports minister were in contrast to what he perceives as the terrible attitude shown by officials of the National Sports Authority.

He also credited President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for some work he did behind the scenes to get the approval.

“I doff my hat to the sports minister for the role he played in getting the Accra Sports Stadium approved. The minister and most senior members of the ministry had to stop their work at the ministry to focus on the stadium.

“There was a time the minister and I visited the place. Something had to be done by 11 am, but it wasn't done. It happened several times. Almost all the departments had issues.

“Can it happen again that they'll sit aloof and watch the stadium crumble? Yes, I believe so. This is because I have seen the work ethic of those who work at the NSA. People take salaries but must be instructed to work.

“We visited one office which was dusty, and the person there reports to work every day. There is a problem. It doesn't have to take the minister or a government official to get people to work,” he said.

With the venue issue now sorted, Ghana now has the all-clear to prepare for their match against Sudan on October 11, 2024.

Black Stars coach, Otto Addo, is expected to name his squad for the game today, October 4, 2024.

EK