By: Joyce Adjei Tawiah
Ghanaian Sports Journalist, Veronica Commey has urged the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to prioritize building community pitches that local clubs can benefit from, rather than focusing on international standard pitches.
Her call follows the NDC’s launch of its 2024 Elections Manifesto on Saturday, August 24, 2024, which included a commitment to significantly enhance sports infrastructure, promote talent development across regions, and ensure equitable support for all national teams.
The third point in the NDC’s sports development plan stated the intention to pursue their “long-standing policy of establishing international standard stadia in all regions.” In addition to constructing new stadia, the plan includes refurbishing existing facilities that currently do not meet necessary standards.
The manifesto promises to “undertake emergency refurbishment of pitches, tracks, and other facilities at our national stadia in Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, Cape Coast, and Sekondi to meet FIFA standards.”
However, Sports Journalist, Veronica Commey argued that while building stadia in new regions or areas with limited sports activity may be appealing for garnering votes, it is crucial to consider the impact on the local population.
“It’s one thing to aim for election victory or remain in power, but true development should benefit the people and have a meaningful impact,” she emphasized.
