Akuffo-Addo sacks NSA Boss Over Stadium Controversy

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has dismissed the Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Dodzie Numekevor, with immediate effect.

The decision reportedly follows CAF’s withdrawal of Baba Yara Sports Stadium’s license from hosting International matches.

According to report, On Monday, President Akufo-Addo ordered the sacking of individuals responsible for renting out the Baba Yara Stadium for a church program for six days prior to the AFCON 2025 qualifier against Angola.

The President also reportedly told the Sports Minister he will be held responsible if Ghana plays any of its home matches outside of this country.

The Sports Minister, Mustapha Ussif, through his Chief Director, William Kartay Caesar queried Mr Numekevor, demanding that he explains why he should not penalised for leading an authority which has embarrassed the office of the president and the country at large.

Mr Numekevor had Wednesday, September 18, 2024, to respond to the query, but President Akufo-Addo who appears dissatisfied with the state of sports infrastructure under the NSA’s leadership, relieved him of his duty Tuesday afternoon, PureSports sources revealed.

Prior to his dismissal, he had closed down Baba Yara, Accra, and Cape Coast stadia for maintenance. It was in response to growing concerns to the bad nature of the facilities.

CAF recommended reconstruction of the Baba Yara pitch and noted the poor state of the Accra and Cape Coast Sports stadium in a letter to the Ghana Football Association on September 10.

Ghana FA was directed to choose an approved venue outside Ghana to host Sudan on matchday 3 in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.

Ghana is currently considering Togo if the country is unable to convince any of its facilities to host Sudan.

Dr. Dodzie Numekevor had been serving as interim Director General of the NSA since 26 February 2024, after taking over from Professor Peter Twumasi, who held the position for six years.

Source|| Bright Yeboah Taylor|| 18th September, 2024