Group fights renaming of Accra Sports Stadium

The Ga Dangme Concerned Youth Group (GDCYG) has condemned moves by some sports officials to have the Accra Sports Stadium renamed as Ohene Djan Sports Stadium.

The non-political pressure group said Robert Sarfo Mensah, the Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA) revealed that “although the power to rename the edifice lies with the Sports Ministry and the government, he will use his power to make sure the stadium returns to Ohene Djan because he was a great sportsman”.

In a statement issued by GDCYG President Nii Ayaafio Tetteh I on Monday, 27 November 2017, he stated that Ga Dangmes are “not against the renaming of the stadium. However, we have Ga Dangme sports legends who have contributed to sports development in this country and deserve such honors.

“But for the Director General of the NSA who is an Akan to come out boldly to say he will make sure such a facility situated on a Ga Dangme land is named after an Akan is very unfortunate and we see it as an attempt to relegate the Ga Dangmes to the background on our own land.

“For the records, Kumasi sports stadium is named after Baba Yara who is an Asante and a Muslim,” the former management member of the National Juvenile Association of the Ghana Football Association stated in the release.

Nii Ayaafio Tetteh I, also a past management member of the Black Princesses in the statement indicated that former President Jerry John Rawlings promoted Ga Dangmes, however, “the immediate past National Democratic Congress (NDC) government did not live up to the standard“ and are demanding that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) honours its promises in uplifting the image of Ga Dangmes.

The group has, therefore, petitioned Sports Minister, Isaac Asiamah to ensure that fairness prevails and the proper things are done.

Additionally, they have called on Council of State member Adjiri Blankson, Energy Minister Boakye Agarko, both Ga Dangmes to resist the moves to sideline Ga Dangmes.

The group has threatened a demonstration and series of other protests if the move is not halted and the trend of dishonouring Ga Dangmes curtailed.

Furthermore, they want President Nana Akufo-Addo to honour all promises he made to the Ga Dangme people.

Also copied in the petition are Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and Deputy Greater Accra regional Minister Elizabeth Naa Kwaatsoo Sackey.