Concerning issues regarding use of our facilities, as already explained to stakeholders and the general public, since 2019 the NSA entered into agreement with Green Grass Technology Company Ltd as consultant in management of pitches in our major stadia (Accra, Kumasi, Cape Coast and Tamale).
They (Green Grass Tech) regularly issue reports and recommendations to us for implementation. This is routine. Currently and per government’s directive, each stadium renovated or constructed comes with maintenance and operation manuals that we adhere to strictly and religiously.
Due to extensive pressure on our facilities due to high number of clubs and matches per stadium (for instance 400 matches in Accra sports stadium per year instead of the ideal 40), the rate of repairs also increase per unit time.
Clubs that we have contract with, and permitted to play are unable to pay the Finance Ministry’s determined rent of GHS 110,000.00 per match (including use of pitch) as indicated in the 2021 LI for Fees and Charges, so NSA does not rent the facility to premier clubs but we co-organize with them and share gate proceeds (OPTION 2).
Other clients can rent places within the stadia for activities too per IGF mobilization mandate.
GT Bank rented the place for their end-of-year get-together (not concert per agreement we have with them). This one-day programme has no effect on sporting activities in the stadium, and did not influence timelines for pitch maintenance by the Green Grass Technology. They are to mount their systems on asphalted areas behind the goalposts but not to use the pitch which is currently being worked on by Green Grass and our Estate workers.
Our consultant in his report indicated that the pitch soil has become acidic with pH of 4 instead of 7 (neutral). Such acidic condition in the soil kills our good grass and allow colonization of weeds on the pitch. As we speak now they have applied chemicals which will correct the pH in the next 7 days or so. Until such effect is achieved, and with fertilizer application, we cannot use the Accra stadium pitch for sporting activities. That’s why we informed our stakeholders.
This kind of intervention is done on all our pitches. Currently, Cape Coast is undergoing same process prior to match of National U20 Women football team, and also at Aliu Mahama.
Please, further explanation would be provided as and when needed.
Thank you.