The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Mr Kofi Iddie Adams, has raised serious concerns over the deteriorating state of the Essipong Sports Stadium in the Western Region.

The facility, constructed in 2008 for the Africa Cup of Nations, is said to have suffered extensive decline due to a lack of major renovation works since its opening.

Mr. Adams made this known during an inspection tour of the stadium together with the Director-General of the National Sports Authority, Mr. Yaw Ampofu Ankrah.

The stadium, which holds about 20,000 spectators, is currently unable to meet the standards required for hosting major sporting events.

According to the Minister, Phases I and II of the planned rehabilitation works were expected to cover reroofing with anti-rust sheets, replacement of spectator seats, refurbishment of washrooms, installation of air-conditioning, fitting of sunglasses, improvement of lighting systems, and mounting a new scoreboard.

However, one of the major challenges identified during the inspection was the encroachment on the stadium’s land by private developers.

Mr. Adams appealed to the Regional Coordinating Council and traditional authorities to swiftly address the issue to protect the facility.

Beyond the initial rehabilitation plan, the Minister outlined additional upgrades, including improving the playing pitch, enhancing the public address system, refurbishing corporate suites, expanding hostel facilities, and upgrading dressing rooms and security zones.

These improvements, he noted, are essential to restoring the stadium to full functionality.

Mr. Adams also reiterated the need for sustainable funding to support sports infrastructure across the country.

He urged the media to rally behind the National Sports Development Fund to help raise the necessary resources, emphasising President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to revamping the sports sector.

While expressing satisfaction with portions of the work already completed, the Minister lamented the slow pace of the project.

He called for expedited efforts to ensure the stadium becomes operational in the shortest possible time.

The Minister was accompanied on the tour by the Chief Director of the Ministry, Mrs. Wilhelmina Asamoah, Mr. Michael Esoun (Director, Finance & Administration), and Mr. Issah Mahami (Director, PPBME).