Hon. Sam George has criticized the Director General (DG) of the National Sports Authority (NSA) for the state of stadium pitches across the country. The Ningo Prampram Member of Parliament’s statements come in the wake of events that transpired after the recent Stonebwoy concert held at a stadium, where the pitch faced significant damage.
The Member of Parliament slammed the NSA DG for allowing non-football events to cause damage to stadium pitches, emphasizing the lack of proper rehabilitation measures following such events. He highlighted the absence of pitch covers, a standard method used globally to protect grass during non-sporting events, which the DG claimed the NSA possessed and utilized during testimony before the Public Accounts Committee earlier this year.
Contrary to the DG’s statement, no pitch covers were used during the recent event, signaling, according to Sam George, another instance of false testimony given under oath. This revelation has stirred controversy, with George openly stating that the DG has a history of dishonesty during parliamentary proceedings.
George underlined the need for accountability, stressing that the blame should not be shifted to performers like Stonebwoy or Shatta Wale, who rent these venues for events. He emphasized that responsibility lies with the NSA and its DG for failing to take appropriate measures to protect stadium pitches.
Drawing comparisons with international venues like Wembley, Emirates, and Old Trafford, where non-football events are also held but pitch protection methods are employed effectively, George criticized the DG for neglecting similar measures in Ghana.
The MP vowed to confront the NSA DG during their next appearance before the Public Accounts Committee, seeking accountability and urging authorities to focus on holding responsible parties answerable for the mismanagement of stadium pitches rather than shifting blame onto performers or event organizers.
The allegations of neglect and false statements in Parliament are bound to spark a debate about accountability and proper management of national sporting facilities.
