The National Youth Authority (NYA) has raised serious concerns over the deteriorating condition of the Azumah Nelson Sports Complex, calling for urgent intervention to restore the facility to its former glory.
Following an assessment visit by the NYA’s leadership and the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, it was evident that the once-vibrant complex has been left in a state of neglect, posing a threat to both the youth and the surrounding community.
In an exclusive interview with Citi News, Acting CEO of the National Youth Authority, Osman Ayariga, emphasized the critical need for renovation, stating that the NYA will collaborate with the Youth Ministry to revamp the facility as soon as possible. The goal, he noted, is to provide young people in Ghana with opportunities to develop their talents and excel in various sporting disciplines. He described the current condition of the sports complex as unacceptable, noting that it has deteriorated to the extent of becoming a breeding ground for dangerous reptiles and animals.
Ayariga further pointed out that former President John Dramani Mahama has made it a priority to ensure that the youth have access to resources that will help them sharpen their talents. He stressed that the Azumah Nelson Sports Complex is a prime example of a facility that, if properly renovated and maintained, can serve as a vital training ground for young athletes. He noted that failing to invest in such spaces is a disservice to the country’s youth, who rely on these facilities for sports development and career advancement.
He also attributed the decline of the sports complex to poor leadership and mismanagement over the years. According to him, a major challenge facing Ghana’s development is the tendency for governments to abandon projects started by their predecessors simply because they want to initiate new ones with their names attached. He criticized this approach, stressing that continuity in governance is essential for national progress.
“The issue had to do with management at a point, and people decided to abandon it. This has to do with leadership crises. When you are handed over power, whether you like it or not, you must complete projects of the previous government. You do not have to let it rot just because you want to build a new one to have your name on it,” he stated.
The current state of the Azumah Nelson Sports Complex serves as a reminder of a broader issue affecting many public infrastructure projects across the country. Over the years, numerous facilities meant to serve the public have been left to deteriorate due to a lack of maintenance and political unwillingness to continue projects initiated by previous administrations. This has led to the loss of valuable resources and opportunities, particularly for the youth who depend on these structures for education, recreation, and career development.
The NYA’s call for renovation comes at a crucial time when Ghanaian sports is experiencing a resurgence, with many young athletes excelling in various disciplines. However, without proper training facilities, their potential remains limited. The Azumah Nelson Sports Complex was once a hub for young talents, serving as a training ground for future champions. Its decline has left many young athletes without a proper place to train, forcing them to seek alternatives, often under poor conditions.
Ayariga made a passionate appeal to politicians and stakeholders to prioritize the completion of abandoned projects rather than allowing them to fall into disrepair. He emphasized that public facilities are meant to serve the people of Ghana, regardless of which government initiated them. Abandoning projects due to political differences, he said, is a waste of public funds and a setback to national development.
“Politicians should desist from the practice whereby if something was started by my predecessor, I do not want to complete it because it is not my name that will be on it. Whoever started it is immaterial. The most important thing is that facilities are built to benefit the people of Ghana,” he stated.
The NYA’s commitment to renovating the Azumah Nelson Sports Complex aligns with its broader mission of empowering young people through sports and recreation. The Authority believes that by restoring the facility, young athletes will have a proper environment to train, develop their skills, and compete at both national and international levels.
The Youth Ministry, in collaboration with the NYA, is expected to outline a comprehensive plan for the renovation project in the coming weeks. This plan is likely to include infrastructure upgrades, improved security, and the introduction of modern sporting equipment. The project will not only benefit athletes but will also create jobs for local workers involved in the renovation process.
Stakeholders, including corporate organizations and sports enthusiasts, are being encouraged to support the initiative, either through financial contributions or technical assistance. Investing in sports infrastructure, they argue, is an investment in the future of Ghana’s youth. A well-maintained sports complex can attract national and international sporting events, boost tourism, and create economic opportunities for local businesses.
The NYA has also urged the general public, particularly the youth, to take ownership of such facilities by ensuring they are well-maintained once renovations are completed. Community involvement in the management of public sports facilities can help prevent the cycle of neglect that has plagued many government projects in the past.
With the increasing recognition of sports as a tool for youth development, the restoration of the Azumah Nelson Sports Complex will be a significant step towards nurturing the next generation of Ghanaian athletes. Sporting icons like Azumah Nelson, Abedi Pele, and other national heroes rose to prominence because they had access to the right training grounds. Without proper infrastructure, the chances of producing world-class athletes in the future remain slim.
The urgency of this renovation project cannot be overstated. Every day that the complex remains in its current state, young athletes are deprived of opportunities to reach their full potential. The NYA and the Youth Ministry’s commitment to addressing this issue is commendable, but the success of the project will depend on the collective effort of government agencies, private entities, and the public.
Restoring the Azumah Nelson Sports Complex is not just about fixing a deteriorating facility; it is about investing in the future of Ghanaian sports, empowering the youth, and ensuring that Ghana continues to produce world-class athletes. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether this initiative becomes a reality or if the complex will remain another abandoned project. What is certain, however, is that the youth of Ghana deserve better, and the time to act is now.
