Accra Sports Stadium floodlight repairs could cost GH¢2m – NSA

Repairs to the damaged floodlights at the Accra Sports Stadium could cost between GH¢1.5m and GH¢2m, according to the Acting Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Prof Emmanuel Osei Sarpong.

The floodlights were damaged by a rainstorm accompanied by strong winds earlier this year, raising concerns about the stadium’s ability to host evening football matches.

Speaking to Citi Sports, Prof Osei Sarpong admitted that the repairs might not be completed before Ghana’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers against Somalia in November.

He explained that the work would require specialised equipment, including cranes, as well as repairs to the metal structures supporting the floodlights.

“Maybe between 1.5 million and 2 million. Because it’s a huge thing,” he said.

A damaged Accra Sports Stadium floodlights

The NSA boss also cautioned against making promises about the completion date, insisting that the authority needed to prioritise a lasting solution rather than rush the repairs.

“The floodlights are a concern. I can’t promise that before our game against Somalia it would be fixed. If I tell you that, I’m not being honest,” he added.

With uncertainty surrounding the readiness of the Accra Sports Stadium, the NSA has begun work at the Essipong Stadium in a bid to secure approval from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to host Ghana’s Matchday Three and Four qualifiers against Somalia.

The proposed alternative venue could allow the Black Stars to fulfil their home fixtures if the floodlight repairs in Accra are not completed in time.