Aliu Mahama Stadium: A Plea for Urgent Renovation
In a resounding call to action, concerned voices are urging the Director of the National Sports Authority, Prof Peter Twumasi, and the Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon Mustapha Ussif, to prioritize a major renovation for the Aliu Mahama Stadium in Tamale.
Constructed in 2007 in preparation for AFCON 2008 hosted by Ghana, the Aliu Mahama Stadium boasts a 20,000 capacity and has played host to numerous AFCON matches and other international events. Despite its significance, the stadium’s incomplete state raises concerns, with some conference halls, hotel facilities, and offices left unfinished.
Home to Men’s Premier League Clubs Real Tamale United and Karela FC, as well as Women’s Premier League Clubs Northern Ladies, Pearlpia Ladies, and Tamale Super Ladies, the stadium serves as a crucial venue for various football matches. Additionally, Division One League Clubs Steadfast FC, Tamale City, and Northern City also utilize the facility.
Regrettably, the passage of time has taken a toll on the Aliu Mahama Stadium. Damaged roofs, a deteriorating pitch, and stands in need of major renovation highlight the urgency of addressing the facility’s current state. The shadow of the Essipong Stadium in Sekondi, constructed in the same year for the same purpose and now overrun by rats and lizards, serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglect.
The plea for attention extends beyond the local teams and sports enthusiasts who utilize the stadium regularly. It is a call for action to safeguard a vital piece of sporting infrastructure in the Northern region. The incomplete state and lack of major renovations over the past 17 years demand immediate intervention.
Comparisons to the proactive renovations of Baba Yaya and Ohene Djan Stadia in 2007, both of which underwent subsequent major renovations, further emphasize the need for swift action. The Aliu Mahama Stadium stands as a symbol of regional pride and unity, deserving of the necessary attention and investment to ensure its continued contribution to the sporting landscape.
As the torchbearers of sports administration in the country, Prof Peter Twumasi and Hon Mustapha Ussif hold the key to revitalizing the Aliu Mahama Stadium. The onus is on the National Sports Authority and the Ministry of Youth and Sports to collaborate and prioritize the much-needed major renovation, not only for the benefit of the teams and athletes but also for the community that takes pride in this sporting arena. The time has come to rejuvenate the Aliu Mahama Stadium and provide the people of the North with a facility they can be proud of for years to come.
By: Musah Abdul-Rahim (www.sportsmrnews.com)
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