How Ghanaians reacted to Mahama's 'I can't promise a new stadium' claim

Sections of the public have voiced their opinions on the statement by John Dramani Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, regarding his inability to promise the construction of a new stadium if he is elected president.

Public sentiment is divided, with some supporting Mahama's stance, while others express concern over the poor condition of the country's pitches.

Some individuals noted that Mahama’s claim is an honest one because the abysmal state of the Ghanaian economy would make it difficult for him to build a new stadium.

The comments follow Mahama's declaration that he cannot commit to building new stadiums to bolster Ghana's sports sector if he wins the election.

He cited the current economic crisis as a reason why such a promise would be impractical.

"In this economic crisis, I cannot promise a new stadium," he stated at a press briefing on July 7, 2024. "However, under the big push initiative, we plan to invest in infrastructure over five years, which may include sports facilities. If allocated, we might consider constructing a stadium."

Currently, the Borteyman Sports Complex and the University of Ghana Stadium are the nation's two standardized sports venues.

The country lacks a FIFA-standard football pitch, with the five national stadiums in a state of disrepair.

Read the reactions on social media below:

JM said he can't promise new stadiums cos of our current economic situation that's honesty there but I can promise you Bawumia with same question will promise 16 new stadiums and call it one region one stadium.

— martey mamah (@JoshuaM77146915) July 8, 2024

Things like this is what I expect you to be telling Ghanaians. Be frank and stop those promises you entangling yourself with.

— Bosonkui Felix (@Bosfel) July 8, 2024

Give Bawumia the same opportunity and he’ll promise a stadium in mars. Mahama is being practical and talking from experience, for a Mama wanger who has been in this political arena for quite some time wants to leave a clean sheet and make feasible promises he can keep.

— 𝐌𝔯. 𝐆𝐚𝐛𝐛𝐲  (@Your_Blackness) July 9, 2024

What’s honesty in this, if he can’t promise a new stadium under the current crisis he basically can’t promise anything and he can’t offer anything. People are actually celebrating him for saying this 💔💔💔💔💔

— Bolga Bwoy (@joe_benzema) July 8, 2024