Youth and Sports Minister Mr. Kofi Adams has sounded a strong warning over growing encroachment on lands belonging to the Essipong Stadium in the Western Region, stressing that the development threatens the long-term future of one of Ghana’s key sporting assets.
The Minister, who toured the 20,000-seater facility on Friday, noted that the Essipong Stadium—built for the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations—has already suffered years of deterioration due to neglect and harsh weather conditions. While ongoing rehabilitation has brought parts of the structure back to life, Mr. Adams said the invasion of the stadium’s lands poses a fresh challenge to plans for a full revival and future expansion.
During the inspection, the Minister expressed concern that progress on the rehabilitation project has been far slower than expected. Although the roof and scoreboard have been replaced, much of the pitch and other essential works remain unfinished.
Despite the delay, he acknowledged the quality of the work completed so far, noting that the renovation has the potential to restore the stadium to international standards once fully executed.
Accompanied by National Sports Authority Director-General Mr. Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, the Minister urged consultants and contractors to accelerate the pace of work to ensure the facility can once again serve the sporting and recreational needs of both the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis and the nation.
Mr. Adams emphasised that without decisive action to curb encroachment and speed up rehabilitation, the state risks losing a valuable piece of sports infrastructure that could otherwise contribute significantly to talent development and community engagement.
