The Director General of Ghana’s National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, has clarified that work on the Nkawkaw Stadium rehabilitation project was suspended due to a lack of proper authorization.
Speaking on Asaase Radio’s Sports Bulletin, Ankrah stated the project was halted because the necessary documentation, specifically from Abetifi Member of Parliament Bryan Acheampong, was not in place.
Ankrah emphasized the NSA’s support for improving the long-stalled Nkawkaw facility but stressed that due process must be followed to ensure transparency and regulatory compliance. “The Nkawkaw project has been a challenge over the past decade; work hasn’t really gone on there due to several factors,” Ankrah stated. “So we have to get all the facts and get all the documents to make sure that we are up to date with the necessary legal situation.” He confirmed a meeting was held with MP Bryan Acheampong in Accra, followed by a stakeholder meeting that proceeded “reasonably well,” crediting Acheampong for his contribution. The NSA now awaits the required documentation from the MP.
“After guidance and counsel came suspension of the work because it was unauthorised,” Ankrah explained. “There was nothing; there was no documentation to say that this had been approved. So we were just following guidelines.” This clarification addresses growing public concern over delays to the much-anticipated stadium, expected to become a major sports hub for the Eastern Region, hosting local football, athletics, and community events.
While reaffirming the NSA’s commitment to supporting sports infrastructure development nationwide, Ankrah insisted that all projects must adhere to established procedures to safeguard the public interest. The suspension underscores the authority’s focus on ensuring proper authorization and transparency before construction proceeds.
