President John Dramani Mahama has raised concerns over the cost of government-funded sports infrastructure, drawing a sharp comparison with the recently completed Tarkwa T&A Stadium.
Speaking at a public engagement, Mr Mahama praised Gold Fields Ghana for constructing a modern 10,000-seater stadium in Tarkwa at a cost of about $13 million, which he described as both impressive and efficient.
“Tarkwa Gold Fields built a standard stadium for their football activities, and I was surprised to learn it cost about $13 million,” he said. “When the Government of Ghana built a stadium, it cost hundreds of millions of dollars. Those of you who have been to Tarkwa and have seen the stadium, it’s a standard stadium, and it takes about 10,000 people. So, if Gold Fields built it for $13 million, then government too should be able to do the same.”
His comments come at a time when questions are being asked about the sustainability and value for money of state-backed infrastructure projects, especially in sports.
The Tarkwa T&A Stadium, completed in 2023, has already become home to Medeama SC and is regarded as one of the most modern club-owned arenas in the country.
Mahama’s remarks are likely to fuel fresh debate about how Ghana can deliver more cost-effective infrastructure while meeting international standards for sports development.
