The Western Regional Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Joseph Allabey Bortey, has raised concerns over the deteriorating state of sports facilities in the region, particularly the Essipong Sports Stadium, which has suffered from years of neglect and poor maintenance.

Built in 2008 at a cost of $38.5 million to host the Africa Cup of Nations, the 20,000-seat stadium has fallen into disrepair.

Visitors are now met with filthy surroundings, broken seats, damaged doors, and a dried, inactive grass turf, far from the state-of-the-art facility it once was.

One of the major challenges has been the stadium’s roofing, which the NPP government promised to fix in 2020 within 24 months. However, the deadline was missed, and by 2023, the Finance Minister claimed the project was 90% complete, sparking controversy.

After five years, the contractor has finally completed the roofing, but handover to the consultant remains pending.

Bortey also revealed that the lack of electricity has prevented proper watering of the pitch, leading to its deterioration.

Despite these challenges, the NSA has submitted a budget for the rewiring and plumbing of the facility as a step toward restoration.

Following a meeting with Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson on March 19, 2025, Bortey received assurances that the government remains committed to upgrading the stadium.

Minister Nelson pledged to collaborate with the NSA to resolve the pressing issues affecting the stadium, emphasizing that improving sports facilities is key to fostering talent and boosting sports development.

"The government is dedicated to improving sporting facilities across the country, including the Essipong Stadium, to harness the potential of our athletes and provide them with world-class infrastructure," Minister Nelson affirmed.