President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Add has sacked, Mr Dodzie Numekevor as Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA) with immediate effect.
A letter dated September 17, 2024 and signed by Secretary to the President, Ambassador Nana Bediatuo Asante stated that the President has directed that his appointment should be terminated and further instructed him to hand over to Chairman of the Governing Board of the NSA on the same day.
The sacking of Mr Numekevor who is the parliamentary candidate on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the Sege constituency for the December 7 elections comes just barely six months after assuming that position.
Even though the vpresident did not state reasons for the sack of Mr Numekevor as Director-General, the management of Ghana’s various stadia had come under scrutiny as the pitches are in very bad states.
Ghana had to resort to the use of only the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi for international matches and just last week under the leadership of Dodzie Numekevor, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) withdrew its approval for the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, due to significant technical infractions, including an unsuitable playing field.
The decision follows CAF’s inspection after the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match between Ghana and Angola on September 5, 2024.
CAF identified several critical issues with the stadium, most notably the poor condition of the playing surface.
The field had deteriorated significantly, featuring uneven surfaces, poor drainage, and inadequate grass cover, rendering it unsuitable for competitive international matches.
These deficiencies were highlighted during the recent fixture, leading to CAF’s decision to revoke the stadium’s Category 3 status.
The Baba Yara Stadium, which holds over 40,000 spectators and has hosted numerous high-profile matches, including World Cup qualifiers and AFCON fixtures, no longer meets the standards required by CAF for international competition. In a statement, CAF expressed disappointment with the condition of the facility and urged Ghanaian authorities to invest in upgrades.
This means Ghana may not be able to host October’s AFCON qualifying match with Sudan in Ghana and Ghana may have to resort to playing that game outside of Ghana.
Dodzie Numekevor formerly started work at the NSA in April this year after Professor Peter Twumasi, the then Director-General was relieved of his duties as the Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA) under similar circumstances of not leading to put Ghana’s already existing sports facilities in a better shape.
Mr. Dodzie Numekevor took over from Prof Twumasi in an acting position as Director-General and the appointment was later formalised.
He had previously worked as a Public Relations Officer of the Ghana High Commission in the United Kingdom (UK) and he had pledged to work with the staff for the National Sports Authority to help regain its past glory and was aiming at staying focused on the mandate that Ghanaians have entrusted in the care of the NSA.
Read the sack letter below:
I am directed by the President of the Republic to inform you that your appointment as the Director-General of the National Sports Authority (Authority”) has been terminated with Immediate effect.
You are directed to hand over your Office to the Chairman of the Governing Board of the Authority, who is copied on this letter.
Please ensure that you hand over and cease to act as the Director-General of the Authority no later than the close of business on 17* September, 2024.
The President thanks you for your service to the nation and extends his best wishes.
AMB: NANA BEDIATUO ASANTE