GOC scribe proposes ‘one district, one sports complex’

As Ghana seeks alternative ways of solving her dwindling fortunes in sports, the Secretary-General of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), Mr Richard Akpokavie, has proposed that each district in the country must have a sports complex.

Many sports pundits in the country have attributed Ghana’s poor performance in international competitions to lack of infrastructure in the country.

Speaking in an interview with ace broadcaster Kweku Sakyi Addo on GhOne TV, Mr Akpokavie mentioned that Ghana can only chalk success if the needed infrastructure is provided by the government.

He said the Azumah Nelson Complex which used to be known as the Kaneshie Sports Complex has been left to deteriorate after several promises from the sector ministers to renovate it.

Former sports minister Mahama Ayariga was one such person who had the passion to renovate the edifice and even pledged an initial GH?100,000 injection into project, but that was not realised.

Ghana seems to have inadequate sports infrastructure, which has been the bane for the country’s progress and success at international competitions.

The Theodosia Okoh National Hockey Stadium is the country’s only up-to-standard hockey stadium but has not seen any major facelift since it was constructed about eight years ago.

Ghana Hockey Association (GHA) has stated that they would need about €300,000 to renovate the stadium especially the artificial turf.

The Accra and Kumasi Sports Stadia needs massive renovation and after several assurances from various sports ministers, nothing has been done.

Anglo Gold Ashanti’s interest in constructing about 20 multi-purpose sports court in the country was halted for no apparent reason after they built three of such courts, with the one located at University of Ghana has virtually turned into a ‘bush’.

Mr Akpokavie noted that Ghana has the talents to succeed at the international level but lack of infrastructure for them to train is the cause of the country’s downfall.