Dodzie Numekevor, the Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), has been fired by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, effective immediately, Ghanatodayonline.com can disclose.
The decision apparently came about as a result of CAF withdrawing Baba Yara Sports Stadium’s permission to hold international matches.
Ghanatodayonline.com reported on Monday that President Akufo-Addo had ordered the dismissal of the people in charge of reserving Baba Yara Stadium for a religious event six days before the AFCON 2025 qualifier against Angola.
Additionally, the President allegedly threatened to hold the Sports Minister accountable if Ghana played any home games abroad.
Mustapha Ussif, the Minister of Sports, questioned Mr. Numekevor through William Kartay Caesar, his Chief Director, asking an explanation for why he shouldn’t be punished for heading an organization that has brought shame to the president’s office and the nation as a whole.
Mr. Numekevor was given until Wednesday, September 18, 2024, to reply to the inquiry. However, Ghanatodayonline.com sources disclosed that President Akufo-Addo, who seems unsatisfied with the condition of sports facilities under the NSA’s direction, removed him of his duties on Tuesday afternoon.
He had shuttered the stadiums in Baba Yara, Accra, and Cape Coast for renovation before being fired. It was a reaction to mounting worries about the poor conditions of the facilities.
In a letter dated September 10, CAF pointed out the bad condition of the Accra and Cape Coast Sports stadia and requested that the Baba Yara pitch be rebuilt.
In order to host Sudan on matchday three of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, Ghana FA was instructed to select an authorized location outside of Ghana.
If Ghana is unable to persuade any of its facilities to host Sudan, it is presently contemplating hosting Sudan in Togo.
Since February 26, 2024, Dr. Dodzie Numekevor has been acting as the NSA’s interim director general. Professor Peter Twumasi, who held the role for six years, was replaced.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com