Ghana Must Improve Poor Sports Facilities- Daniel Opare
Former Black Stars defender Daniel Opare has acknowledged the poor state of Ghana’s sports infrastructure, stressing that the country cannot ignore the reality if it hopes to develop football and compete consistently at the highest level.
Speaking candidly on the state of football infrastructure on TV3’s Mundial live, the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup winner expressed deep concerns over the current state of youth football development in the country and the nation’s readiness to host major tournaments, such as the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
“When it comes to these kind of things (hosting of tournaments), we have to invest big to improve facilities. And truth to be spoken, our facilities are poor. I’m not going to sit here and pretend like because I’m a Ghanaian I wouldn’t tell the truth. Our facilities are poor. The teams don’t have good facilities. I think that we are not taking football seriously. And it’s killing the younger generations because that is where we all developed from.” Opare emphatically stated underscoring the need for honest conversations about the challenges confronting the country’s sporting sector.
His remarks add to growing concerns among football stakeholders over the condition of training grounds, stadiums and other sporting infrastructure, which many believe have failed to keep pace with the demands of modern football.
Opare suggested that improving facilities should be treated as a national priority, noting that quality infrastructure is essential for nurturing young talent, supporting player development and enhancing the competitiveness of local football.
He indicated that countries that have made significant progress in football have done so by investing heavily in modern training centres, quality pitches and well-maintained stadiums, creating an environment where players can maximise their potential.
The former defender’s comments come at a time when discussions on sports infrastructure have intensified, with calls for greater investment in facilities across the country to support both grassroots and elite sports development.
Observers argue that upgrading sporting facilities would not only improve the standard of football but also enable Ghana to host more international competitions, attract investment into the sports sector and create better opportunities for emerging athletes.
Opare’s remarks serve as a reminder that addressing infrastructure deficits remains a key step towards strengthening Ghana’s football ecosystem and restoring the country’s competitiveness on the continental and global stage.
By: Joyce Owusu
