The Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA) Professor Peter Twumasi has defended the decision to rent out the Accra Sports Stadium for concerts in December last year, despite facing public backlash.
The NSA had announced that the Accra Sports Stadium would be unavailable for sporting events in the festive period, leading to three Ghana Premier League clubs – Hearts of Oak, Accra Lions, and Great Olympics – having to relocate their home games.
The stadium was instead utilised for social events, including Stonebwoy’s Bhim Concert, reportedly generating GHS70,000.00 in revenue.
Facing the Public Account Committee on Monday, February 5, Twumasi stood by the decision, asserting that the revenue generated from non-sporting events during the specified period would cover all associated costs.
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“Other non-sporting activities occurring in our stadia are not new. This is not the first time Prof Twumasi is granting permission for the usage of the facilities for other non-sporting activities. It’s done all the time,” Twumasi stated, defending the practice.
He cited examples of other national events, such as Independence celebrations, held at various stadiums across the country, emphasising that revenue generated from these events contributes to maintaining and recovering the facilities.
However, Hon. Sam George, a member of the committee, expressed skepticism about the NSA boss’ defense.
He questioned Twumasi on the impact of using pitch covers to prevent damage to the turf during such non-sporting events. In response, Twumasi explained that covering the turf for an extended period is challenging due to its natural grass composition.
The controversy surrounding the use of the Accra Sports Stadium for non-sporting events continues, with differing perspectives on the balance between generating revenue and preserving sporting facilities.
Meanwhile, the Black Satellites of Ghana are expected to play all of their three matches at the venue in the 2023 Africa Games.