In a recent address to the Parliamentary Select Committee on Sports, Seth Panwum, the Board Chair of the National Sports Authority (NSA), announced a significant policy shift concerning the use of the country’s stadia.
According to Panwum, the stadia will now be limited to hosting only sporting activities until pitch covers are procured. This decision comes in light of ongoing concerns about the preservation and maintenance of the stadium pitches, which have been subject to wear and tear from various non-sporting events.
Panwum emphasized that discussions have already been initiated with the Finance Ministry regarding the procurement of pitch covers. The pitch covers are deemed essential to protect the playing surfaces from damage, especially during events that are not related to sports. This step outlines the NSA’s primary objective to ensure that the pitches remain in pristine condition for athletes and sporting events, thereby enhancing the performance and experience for both players and spectators.
The restriction on stadium use is expected to have a significant impact on the scheduling and planning of events. Traditionally, the stadia have hosted a variety of activities, including concerts, political rallies, and religious gatherings. However, until the pitch covers are acquired, these events will have to seek alternative venues. This move underscores the NSA’s commitment to prioritizing the integrity and quality of the sporting facilities.
Stakeholders in the sports community have welcomed the decision, expressing optimism that it will lead to better-maintained pitches and improved performance by athletes. Coaches and players have often lamented the state of the pitches, particularly after non-sporting events. With the implementation of this policy, there is hope that the stadia will now provide a more consistent and reliable playing surface.
The commitment to exclusively hosting sporting activities until the pitch covers are procured is a proactive step towards safeguarding the future of sports in the country.
By Nana Kwame Bediako