The Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) has expressed its frustration with the National Sports Authority (NSA) following a sudden directive to shift the venue of the ongoing Top 4 competition from the Accra Sports Stadium to the University of Ghana Stadium, Legon.
According to GHALCA’s Administrative Manager, Mr. Oduro-Nyarko, the NSA had from the outset approved the use of the Accra Sports Stadium and even issued an official letter granting clearance for the games. However, the association was later informed that the venue could no longer be used due to preparations for the Black Stars’ World Cup qualifier against Mali.
“From the very beginning, we engaged the NSA, and they gave us an official letter approving the stadium for our games. Out of the blue, my chairman informed me that the Director General has now said we cannot use the facility because of the Black Stars’ upcoming match,” Mr. Oduro-Nyarko explained.
While acknowledging the need to comply with the directive, he lamented the impact of the abrupt decision. “We are deeply disappointed in the NSA because this sudden change will affect us significantly,” he noted, adding that Accra would have been far more accessible to fans compared to Legon.
GHALCA fears the change of venue could negatively affect attendance and, in turn, reduce gate proceeds, which are vital for the competition’s financial viability. Nonetheless, Oduro-Nyarko confirmed that all participating clubs have agreed to go ahead with the matches despite the setback.
By: Oduro-Nyarko (Administrative Manager, GHALCA)