Over GH¢85m Payments: Ablakwa discloses new details on funds allocated for pitch maintenance

The Member of Parliament for North Tongu constituency, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has discovered significant amounts of money allocated by the government for pitch maintenance in Ghana.

According to Ablakwa, documents he has reviewed show substantial funds designated for the rehabilitation and renovation of several stadiums in the country.

He highlighted that in 2023, the Ministry of Finance approved GH¢49.1 million for the refurbishment of the Essipong Sports Stadium.

Additionally, on March 27, 2020, GH¢21.1 million was allocated for the renovation of the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, and GH¢22.4 million was provided for the Accra Sports Stadium.

Speaking on the Key Points programme aired on TV3, Ablakwa expressed his frustration over the poor maintenance of the pitches and questioned how the funds were utilized by the sporting authorities.

"Government has been pumping money every year into stadium renovation. So far, the documents I have intercepted show over GH¢85 million allocated as of July 14, 2023. This includes a letter signed by the late John Kumah. God bless his soul. He issued a warrant for the release of GH¢41.9 million for the rehabilitation of the Essipong Sports Stadium. Baba Yara too, another contract of GH¢21.1 million, and this is a letter signed by Frank Quaye, Chief Director, awarded to a company called Jafqiye on March 27, 2020," he said.

Ablakwa continued, "Then you come to Accra Sports Stadium. I have here a company called Coup Bay. They have been paid GH¢22.4 million. In total, over GH¢85 million. I've tracked the payments and I have all the payment vouchers here. So if you, your family, will make money out of our stadiums, at least do the work. At least don't bring this monumental international disgrace upon us."

His comments were in response to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) banning the Baba Yara Stadium from hosting Black Stars matches due to poor facilities.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Football Association and the Ministry of Youth and Sports are in talks with CAF to resolve the issue.

Watch the video below:

Eeii hmm 🤔 @S_OkudzetoAblak exposes Akufo-Addo’s family over STADIUM 🏟️ renovation contract but ZILCH work done. Ghana is a CRIME scene under @NAkufoAddo AGYAPADE3 state capture family and friends government. IMPEACH HIM now.

A vote 🗳️ @MBawumia is a vote for Akufo-Addo to… pic.twitter.com/eICVRZK7BK

— Aristotlektv (@aristotledada) September 14, 2024