The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to fully restoring the Essipon Sports Stadium into a functional, commercially viable national asset.
His comments followed an inspection visit to the facility alongside the Director General of the National Sports Authority, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah.
Originally constructed for the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations, the 20,000-seater stadium has seen no significant rehabilitation over the past 17 years.
The Minister’s visit revealed extensive deterioration across key sections of the stadium, including roofing, washrooms, seating, and critical service areas.
Compounding the situation, the facility has reportedly been without electricity for over three years.
“Essipong is not just a Western Region issue; this is a national infrastructure that must be brought back to life,” Mr Adams stressed.
“We are committed to accelerating works here to ensure this stadium once again serves the people of Ghana; not only for sport but for wider commercial and community use.”
The ongoing rehabilitation under Phases I and II covers reroofing with anti-rust materials, replacement of spectator seats, refurbishment of sanitary facilities, lighting system upgrades, and installation of a new scoreboard.
The plan also includes improved ventilation systems and new fittings for the sunglasses and corporate spaces.
Sports Minister Kofi Adams noted that while the quality of work completed so far was commendable, the pace remains slow and requires urgent acceleration.
He, therefore, urged all stakeholders to support efforts aimed at making the stadium fully operational.
During the tour, it was observed that parts of the stadium’s land have been encroached upon by private developers.
The Minister called for immediate intervention from the Western Regional Coordinating Council and traditional authorities to safeguard the integrity of the public asset.
Plans are underway to expand the scope of rehabilitation beyond the current contracts.
These include improvements to the playing pitch, security zones, dressing rooms, hostels, and public address systems aimed at meeting modern stadium requirements and expanding its event-hosting potential.
The Minister reiterated the need for sustainable financing to support sports infrastructure nationwide.
He called on the media and corporate stakeholders to rally behind the establishment of the National Sports Development Fund to ensure long-term maintenance and performance of facilities such as Essipon.
Mr. Kofi Adams concluded his visit with a firm assurance that government will take urgent steps to restore Essipon Stadium to its optimal state.