President John Dramani Mahama has announced an ambitious plan to construct seven state-of-the-art stadia across Ghana in 2026. The initiative, he explained, is part of a broader effort to promote sports development, create employment opportunities, and enhance the country’s infrastructure.
Speaking at the Jubilee House on Saturday, September 20, 2025, when officials and players of Asante Kotoko and Bibiani Gold Stars football clubs visited him, Mahama emphasised the importance of investing in sports facilities to provide opportunities for young athletes and strengthen Ghana’s presence on the global sporting stage.
He noted that the new stadiums would meet international standards, enabling Ghana to host regional and continental competitions.
“The Finance Minister is going to present the budget in November, and I was telling the Sports Minister and the Director-General of the National Sports Authority that next year we are going to build about seven brand new stadia,” he said.
“We want every new region to have a stadium that is fit for purpose so that we can improve the playing conditions and make our football more competitive,” President Mahama added.
The proposed stadiums are expected to feature modern amenities, including training facilities, medical centres, and multipurpose areas for community use.
Beyond sports, the project aims to stimulate local economies by creating jobs during the construction phase and attracting tourism through major sporting events.
Mahama added that his government would work closely with private sector partners and international investors to fund the initiative, ensuring transparency and value for money.
Meanwhile, several of the major sports stadiums are rapidly deteriorating due to poor maintenance and limited investment, raising concerns among sports authorities and fans.
From leaking roofs and broken seats to faulty lighting and unkempt pitches, many facilities no longer meet international standards.
The Accra Sports Stadium, Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, and Sekondi Sports Stadium have all come under criticism in recent years, with reports highlighting structural defects and safety risks for spectators.
Fans and stakeholders have repeatedly appealed to government and sports bodies to prioritise regular maintenance rather than wait for major overhauls.
