President Akufo-Addo has dismissed the Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Dodzie Numekevor, following the Confederation of African Football's (CAF) decision to revoke the Baba Yara Sports Stadium’s licence for hosting international matches.
The dismissal comes after CAF withdrew the stadium’s certification, citing poor pitch conditions ahead of Ghana’s AFCON 2025 qualifier against Angola.
Sources reveal that the stadium had been rented out for a church event just days before the crucial match, which reportedly angered the President.
On Monday, it was reported that President Akufo-Addo instructed the removal of individuals responsible for the mismanagement of the stadium.
He further cautioned Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif that he would be held accountable if Ghana had to play its home matches outside the country.
In response, the Sports Minister, through Chief Director William Kartay Caesar, queried Numekevor, demanding he explain why the authority’s actions had embarrassed both the President and the nation. Numekevor was given until Wednesday, September 18, 2024, to respond.
However, President Akufo-Addo, reportedly dissatisfied with the state of sports infrastructure under Numekevor’s leadership, relieved him of his duties on Tuesday.
Before his dismissal, Numekevor had announced the temporary closure of the Baba Yara, Accra, and Cape Coast stadia for maintenance following growing concerns about the deteriorating conditions of the facilities.
CAF, in a letter to the Ghana Football Association on September 10, recommended a complete reconstruction of the Baba Yara pitch and highlighted issues with the Accra and Cape Coast stadia.
As a result, the Ghana FA has been directed to find an alternative venue outside the country for their match against Sudan on matchday 3 of the AFCON qualifiers, with Togo currently under consideration.
Dodzie Numekevor had served as interim Director General of the NSA since February 26, 2024, following the departure of Professor Peter Twumasi, who held the position for six years.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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