NYA CEO Calls for Renovation of Azumah Nelson Sports Complex

Accra, Ghana - 03 Feb, 2025 - The Azumah Nelson Sports Complex, once a thriving hub for young athletes, has fallen into a state of disrepair.

The facility, located in Accra, has become a breeding ground for dangerous reptiles and animals, prompting concerns from the National Youth Authority (NYA).

In an interview with Citi News, Osman Ayariga, Acting CEO of the NYA, has attributed the complex's deterioration to poor leadership and management. He also criticized the practice of politicians abandoning projects initiated by previous governments, instead focusing on new initiatives to bolster their own legacies.

“Azumah Nelson Sports Complex is in a dilapidated state. It has become a breeding ground for very dangerous reptiles and animals. President John Dramani Mahama has said that he would want to make sure the youth of this country can develop and sharpen their talent.

“A facility like the Azumah Nelson Sports Complex is one facility that can be renovated to be able to sharpen the talent of young people.

“The issue had to do with management at a point and people decided to abandon it. This has to do with leadership crises. When you are handed over power, whether you like it or not, you must complete projects of the previous government, you do not have to let it rot just because you want to build a new one to have your name on it”

“Politicians should desist from the practice whereby if something was started by my predecessor, I do not want to complete it because it is not my name that will be on it. Whoever started it is immaterial. The most important thing is facilities are built to the benefit of the people of Ghana,'' he added.

The NYA has pledged to collaborate with the Youth Ministry to renovate the complex and restore it to its former glory. The project aims to provide young people with a well-equipped facility to develop their sporting talents.

In a separate development, Ghana's Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, has also committed to renovating the complex. During a ministerial engagement with the NYA management, Opare Addo expressed concern over the facility's current state and assured that steps would be taken to restore it.

Source: Lead News Online