Ampofo Ankrah, Veronica Commey Under Fire Over ‘Poor’ State of Pitches

Accra: The Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, and his deputy, Veronica Commey, have faced fierce criticism in recent times following the poor state of some pitches in the country.

According to Ghana Web, the issue came to the forefront during a Democracy Cup game on Sunday, August 29, 2026, in which Asante Kotoko defeated arch-rivals Accra Hearts of Oak. The major talking point was the deplorable condition of the pitch, with some portions being patchy, affecting ball movement and disrupting the flow of the game.

Furthermore, a recent inspection conducted at the Accra Sports Stadium revealed that the venue requires a major overhaul or renovation. An official described the stadium as a 'death trap,' warning that it could endanger lives in the future. As news of the situation spread on social media, disgruntled fans expressed deep disappointment in the current NSA leadership, accusing them of failing to deliver on their mandate despite previously criticizing similar conditions when not in office.

The condition of the national stadia has become a source of embarrassment for the nation, especially given the budget allocated for their maintenance. Concerns have also been raised ahead of the 2027 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), with fears that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) inspection team may not approve any of Ghana's stadia unless urgent action is taken. Stakeholders insist the NSA must act quickly to fix the problem.