The Vice Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Davis Ansah Opoku, has voiced serious concern over the stalled Nkawkaw Stadium in the Eastern Region and other incomplete sports facilities nationwide, citing chronic issues with funding and bureaucracy.
During a PAC sitting on Tuesday, November 4, the MP lamented the paralysis of these projects, noting that many contractors have failed to complete even 10 per cent of the work due to inadequate funds.
“Now, nothing really is going on at these sites,” Mr. Opoku stated. “Communities are even willing to develop or sponsor these facilities themselves, but because of contractual obligations, they can’t.”
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He urged the Ministry of Youth and Sports to review arrangements that currently hinder community-led initiatives, highlighting the Nkawkaw Sports Stadium as a prime example of delayed government projects.
The Committee has been reviewing the 2024 Auditor-General’s report on the accounts of Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, responded by encouraging communities and corporate bodies to partner with the government to develop local sports infrastructure.
The Minister confirmed the Ministry’s readiness to engage any community willing to support projects financially, with labour, or materials, provided they can work within the framework of existing contracts.
However, he advised that community engagement should always begin at the local government level. “For every project within a district, the local assembly must be aware. Start the conversation with them, and it will be transmitted to the appropriate ministry or agency,” he explained.
Providing further clarification on the Nkawkaw Stadium, Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, explained that the project was awarded to Fardell Company Limited in 2020 for GH₵27 million, to be funded by the Middle Belt Development Authority (MBDA).
He revealed that the project had stalled due to documentation and administrative challenges. The NSA became aware in 2025 that Hon. Bryan Acheampong was reportedly developing the facility without proper documentation.
Mr. Ampofo Ankrah stressed that the NSA has since met with the Omanhene of Kwahu to ensure proper legal procedures are followed. “There is no conflict or crisis. It’s about legalities and safeguarding national assets,” he insisted.
Mr. Ansah Opoku welcomed the call for community involvement but appealed for swift action, noting, “The seats for the stadium are already in town, imported from China. Please ensure we have the Nkawkaw Stadium completed because our community teams deserve better facilities.”
The Nkawkaw Sports Stadium, earmarked for reconstruction in 2020, remains incomplete five years later. With renewed dialogue between stakeholders, there is fresh hope that the long-delayed project will finally be revived.