Plans to revive the long-abandoned Nkawkaw Sports Stadium have hit a temporary snag, after the National Sports Authority (NSA) called for a suspension of construction works due to missing legal documentation and regulatory approvals.
The intervention follows construction activity led by Hon. Bryan Acheampong, the Member of Parliament for Abetifi, who had pledged personal financial support to restart the stalled project. While his intentions were widely applauded locally, the NSA has clarified that the works were carried out without the required permissions from the state agency that owns and manages the stadium.
Speaking to the issue, Director General of the NSA, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, confirmed that his office had requested full documentation on the project and urged all stakeholders to pause work until the proper procedures were followed.
“This is not about stopping development,” Mr Ampofo said. “Work can resume as soon as the necessary legal and technical guidelines are fully complied with.”
From Grand Vision to Temporary Shelter
Originally initiated in 2020 by the NSA and the Middle Belt Development Authority (MBA), the Nkawkaw Stadium was to be transformed into a multi-purpose sports complex by Farahdel Ghana Ltd. However, financial constraints caused the project to grind to a halt.
Earlier this year, Hon. Acheampong stepped in with a proposal to fund a scaled-down version of the project, a temporary stadium to serve as home for Okwahu United in the upcoming football season. But concerns quickly arose when Farahdel Ghana Ltd resumed work in May 2025, this time under the new design backed by the MP.
The NSA said it was not consulted on this updated plan and had to respond swiftly after conflicting media reports emerged regarding the nature of the new construction.
Stakeholder Intervention
In response, the NSA dispatched a fact-finding team, including its Estates Manager and Chief Operating Officer, to assess the situation on-site. The report, submitted on 8 June 2025, prompted the NSA to initiate direct dialogue with the MP and call for a temporary halt to the construction.
A stakeholders’ meeting held on 16 June 2025 at the stadium site brought together regional authorities, community leaders, and sports officials to clarify the new plans and outline the path forward.
Mr Ampofo expressed appreciation for the MP’s initiative but insisted on adherence to due process. “We are optimistic that this can be resolved quickly,” he said. “But as custodians of public sports infrastructure, we must ensure transparency, legality, and safety in all developments.”
The final report on the project is expected to be submitted to the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Iddi Adams, once all outstanding issues are addressed.
