Speaking on Joy News' PM Express on 18 September, Daara suggested that the government could utilise revenues from sports betting taxes to fund the maintenance and upgrading of the country's stadiums.
As Ghana grapples with deteriorating sports facilities, Ibrahim Sannie Daara, the CAF Media Officer, has put forward a proposal that could address the issue.
Sannie Daara
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Recent warnings from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) highlighted concerns over the pitch condition at the Baba Yara Stadium, which recently hosted an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Angola. Due to the pitch's poor state, CAF has indicated that future matches, including the next AFCON qualifier against Sudan, might need to be relocated to a neutral venue, with potential options being Togo, Nigeria, or Ivory Coast.
In response to these concerns, Ghana's National Sports Authority has shut down three major stadiums—Baba Yara, Accra Sports, and Cape Coast—for maintenance work. However, the challenge of securing adequate funding for these upgrades remains pressing.
University of Ghana Sports Stadium
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Daara's proposal suggests a shift in how sports betting revenues are used. "We need to rethink our approach," Daara said, as reported by myjoyonline.com. "The government is generating substantial income from sports betting, and it's possible that this revenue could exceed a million dollars. Instead of directing these funds elsewhere, why not invest a portion into stadium maintenance?"
He argued that these funds should be used to hire qualified professionals to manage and maintain the facilities, rather than relying on political appointments. "Technical expertise is crucial to ensure our stadiums meet international standards," Daara added, according to myjoyonline.com.
As the condition of Ghana's sports infrastructure faces increasing scrutiny, Daara’s suggestion highlights a potential path forward, aiming to ensure the country's stadiums are up to standard for future events.
