Hon Vincent Ekow Assafuah
Old Tafo

Mr Speaker, I rise to address this honourable House on the critical issue of the maintenance culture of stadia and sporting infrastructure across Ghana, an issue that speaks directly to asset protection, public safety, international credibility, and value for money.

Mr Speaker, successive governments have invested heavily in the construction and rehabilitation of national and regional stadia, including the Accra Sports Stadium, Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Cape Coast Sports Stadium, Tamale Sports Stadium, and other community facilities. These investments were justified on the basis of national pride, sports development, youth empowerment, tourism, and Ghana’s aspiration to host international sporting and entertainment events.

However, Mr Speaker, it is increasingly evident that while we have demonstrated capacity in construction, we have consistently failed in sustaining these assets through structured and professional maintenance systems.

Weak Maintenance Culture and Systemic Gaps

Mr Speaker, the maintenance challenge is not merely financial; it is systemic. There is a clear absence of: • Routine and preventive maintenance schedules;
• Periodic structural and technical audits;
• Professional facility management regimes;
• Clear lines of responsibility and accountability;
• Performance benchmarks tied to international standards. As a result, maintenance is often reactive rather than preventive, driven by crises, international embarrassment, or last-minute inspections instead of longterm planning.

International Standard and Compliance Risks

Mr Speaker, modern stadia must comply with strict requirements set by international governing bodies such as Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA. These standards cover pitch quality and irrigation, drainage systems, floodlighting, seating capacity and safety, roofing, media and broadcast facilities, medical and emergency response infrastructure, accessibility for persons with disability, crowd control systems, and security installations.

When these standards are not maintained, Ghana faces serious consequences including:
• Suspension or downgrading of stadia;
• Relocation of international matches;
• Loss of hosting rights;
• Reputational damage to our sports administration;
• Reduced confidence from sponsors and investors.

Mr Speaker, international standard is not achieved at commissioning alone; it must be preserved through consistent maintenance. A stadium that fails inspection due to neglect is a symbol of institutional failure, not resource constraint.

Public Safety and Risk Exposure

Mr Speaker, poor maintenance also poses significant safety risks. Deteriorating stands, faulty electrical systems, poor lighting, damaged turf, and inadequate emergency facilities expose spectators, athletes, officials, and workers to avoidable dangers.

Parliament cannot overlook the potential legal, financial, and human consequences of preventable infrastructure failures. Economic, Social, and Developmental Costs Mr Speaker, neglected stadia represent lost economic opportunities. Properly maintained stadia can generate revenue through sports tourism, concerts, conferences, community events, and commercial partnerships. When facilities are closed or downgraded, jobs are lost, local economies suffer, and youth development pathways are disrupted.

Financing and Policy Proposal

Mr Speaker, to address these challenges sustainably, I propose a structured and protected financing solution. As this House considers the establishment and operationalisation of a Sports Fund, it is imperative that a minimum of 10 per cent of the Sports Fund be ring-fenced solely for routine maintenance, safety compliance, and technical upgrading of all national stadia. This allocation must be:
• Predictable and non-discretionary;
• Protected from political interference;
• Tied to approved maintenance plans and audits;
• Subject to annual reporting to Parliament. Such a policy will reduce emergency rehabilitation costs, extend asset lifespan, and ensure continuous compliance with international standards.

Institutional and Governance Reforms

Mr Speaker, funding alone is insufficient without governance reform. I therefore call for:
• The establishment of professional stadia and facilities management units;
• Mandatory annual technical, safety, and compliance audits;
• Clear separation between political oversight and technical management;
• Performance contracts for facility managers;
• Exploration of public-private partnerships and concession models to enhance efficiency.

Conclusion Mr Speaker, a nation that builds but fails to maintain only postpones decay and multiplies future costs. If we are serious about sports excellence, youth development, public safety, and value for money, then maintenance must be elevated to a core national policy priority.

I urge this honourable House to act decisively to institutionalise a strong maintenance culture that preserves the international standard of our stadia and safeguards the investments made with the hard-earned resources of the Ghanaian people. I thank you, Mr Speaker.