Sports ministry details renovation works on Baba Yara, Accra, and Essipong stadia amid criticisms

In a statement released on September 20, 2024, the ministry detailed that the Accra Sports Stadium underwent three phases of renovation in 2018. These renovations included re-roofing the VIP area, replacing damaged steel posts and bolts, and blasting the metal roof frame structural members, among other improvements.

The statement also mentioned that a contract worth GH¢21,122 was awarded in 2020 for renovation work at the Baba Yara Stadium.

This included the installation of floodlights, a scoreboard, sanitary appliances, and the construction of a sub-surface drain under the pitch.

“The Accra Sports Stadium has undergone three (3) phases of renovation works. Phase (I) contract was awarded in January 2018 at the contract sum of GH¢10,521,760.11 to Messrs Coupbay Construction Limited. The renovation contract for Accra Sports Stadium was awarded in October 2018 at the contract sum of GH¢18,647,139.41 to Messrs Coupbay Construction Limited.

“Baba Yara Sports Stadium has undergone two (2) phases of renovation since the last major renovation in 2007. Phase (I) of renovation work on Baba Yara Stadium was awarded in April 2020 at the contract sum of GH¢21,122,068.44 to Messrs Javkier Limited,” portions of the statement read.

It was further disclosed that, “The Essipong Stadium was constructed in 2007 for the 2008 AFCON Tournament. However, similar to the Accra and Baba Yara Stadia, there was no renovation work done since 2007. The sea-side climate also caused the metal works of the stadium to rust. Phase (I) renovation work was awarded on contract in April 2020 to Messrs CI Limited at the contract sum of GH¢17,969,447.10.”

The ministry also urged the public to disregard claims by the North Tongu Member of Parliament (MP), Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, that large sums of money allocated for stadium renovations have been misappropriated.

Read the full statement: