Ibrahim Sannie Daara, former Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has suggested that the government redirect part of its revenue from sports betting taxes to improve the country’s sports infrastructure, particularly the maintenance of its stadia. This proposal comes as concerns continue to mount over the deteriorating condition of football pitches in Ghana, with potential implications for the national team, the Black Stars, who may be forced to play their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers outside the country due to substandard facilities.
The poor state of the country’s stadiums has been an ongoing issue, attracting widespread criticism from football stakeholders and fans alike. One of the most significant developments in this ongoing crisis occurred recently when the Confederation of African Football (CAF) withdrew its approval for the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi to host Category Three CAF matches. This decision, stemming from the poor quality of the playing surface and the overall condition of the facility, has highlighted the urgent need for investment in stadium maintenance. If not addressed, this could have far-reaching consequences for Ghana’s football scene, as the country may lose its ability to host crucial international matches.
Sannie Daara, currently serving as a CAF Media Officer, has joined the chorus of voices calling for immediate action from the government. He believes that the money generated from sports betting taxes, which has been steadily increasing in recent years, could serve as a valuable resource for funding much-needed improvements to the country’s stadiums. In an interview with Joy News, Daara emphasized the need for the government to rethink its approach to stadium management and prioritize the proper maintenance of these important national assets.
“I think we should start changing our mentality,” Daara remarked, noting that the government generates significant revenue from sports betting in Ghana. He expressed optimism that the amount of money collected from these taxes would only grow over time, potentially reaching substantial sums that could make a real difference in addressing the infrastructure challenges facing the country. “There’s a lot of money the government is making from sports betting in this country, and I’m sure one day the government might collect over a million dollars in sports betting taxes alone,” he stated.
With the amount of money coming in from sports betting, Daara questioned why a portion of these funds could not be allocated toward the upkeep of stadiums. He pointed out that well-maintained sports infrastructure is crucial for the country’s sporting success and international reputation. “Why can’t we allocate some of this money towards stadium maintenance and hire the right, qualified people to manage the facilities?” Daara asked, making the case for bringing in professionals with technical expertise in facility management, rather than relying on political appointments that may not have the necessary qualifications.
He went on to suggest that while political appointments have their place in other sectors, maintaining stadiums requires a specialized skill set. To meet international standards and avoid the risk of losing Ghana’s hosting rights for key matches, Daara believes it is essential to put the right people in charge. “Political appointments can be made in other areas, but we need technical experts to ensure our stadiums meet international standards,” he argued.
The impact of poor stadium conditions has already been felt in the recent decisions of CAF, which has raised concerns about the state of pitches in Ghana. The Baba Yara Sports Stadium, in particular, has come under scrutiny, leading to its disqualification from hosting international matches. This decision not only affects the Black Stars’ ability to play in front of home fans but also represents a broader issue for the country’s football ecosystem, including local clubs and the national football league.
In response to the deteriorating conditions, the National Sports Authority (NSA) has taken steps to address the situation. The NSA recently announced the closure of three major stadiums—Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Accra Sports Stadium, and Cape Coast Stadium—for maintenance work. This move is seen as a necessary step to prevent further damage to the facilities and to ensure that they can eventually meet the required standards for hosting international events. However, without sustained investment and a long-term maintenance plan, these temporary closures may not be enough to resolve the underlying problems.
Sannie Daara’s call for the government to use sports betting revenue for stadium upkeep comes at a critical time when Ghana’s football infrastructure is in dire need of attention. With the increasing popularity of sports betting in the country, the government has a growing source of revenue that could be leveraged to tackle these pressing issues. By redirecting a portion of this income towards the maintenance of sports facilities, Ghana could not only improve the quality of its stadiums but also enhance the overall experience for fans and athletes alike.
The proposal to use sports betting taxes for stadium maintenance could also have broader economic benefits. Well-maintained stadiums are more likely to attract international tournaments, which bring in tourism revenue and create jobs. Additionally, better facilities would support the development of young talent and provide a more conducive environment for local football clubs and leagues to thrive. In the long run, investing in sports infrastructure could help strengthen the country’s position as a football powerhouse in Africa and beyond.
In conclusion, Sannie Daara’s suggestion to allocate sports betting revenue for stadium maintenance is a timely and practical solution to one of the most pressing challenges facing Ghana’s sports sector. As the government continues to benefit from the growing popularity of sports betting, it has an opportunity to reinvest these funds in ways that will directly benefit the country’s sporting infrastructure and help safeguard the future of Ghanaian football. By prioritizing stadium maintenance and ensuring that the right professionals are in charge, Ghana can restore its stadiums to international standards and create a lasting legacy for its athletes and fans.
Source: Ghanasoccernet
