Government is set to redevelop the Ho Sports Stadium into a modern multi-purpose sports and entertainment complex with commercial facilities to keep it active daily under the 24-hour economy initiative.
President John Dramani Mahama announced this on Thursday in Ho after a briefing from the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, on plans to upgrade the facility to meet CAF certified standards.
According to the President, the redeveloped stadium will include commercial shops, restaurants, entertainment centres and other supporting facilities to generate revenue for maintenance. The goal is to ensure the facility remains active even when there are no football matches.
“Our vision is not to build a stadium that serves only football matches. We want to develop a true multi-purpose sports and entertainment complex. Under the 24-hour economy initiative, we want this facility to remain active every day by creating opportunities for business, recreation and entertainment,” he said.
The President said government is committed to allocating the necessary resources for the project. The first step will be to prepare detailed architectural and engineering designs which will be presented to traditional authorities, residents and other stakeholders for input before construction begins with a sod-cutting ceremony.
Key features of the redevelopment include a modern natural grass pitch with a computerised irrigation system and modern spectator stands with improved seating for comfort and safety.
The stadium’s strategic central location and available surrounding land make it suitable for a world-class sports complex to serve the municipality and the nation, he added.
President Mahama also noted that the National Sports Authority has faced challenges with technical staff replacement and maintenance over the years. “Failed management and failed care is now a specialized area,” he said, adding that government will address these gaps as part of the broader sports infrastructure plan.
He stated that government’s broader objective is to have at least five stadiums in Ghana that meet CAF standards to position the country to host another Africa Cup of Nations. He suggested a possible joint bid with Côte d’Ivoire.
On national teams, the President commended the Black Stars for reaching the Round of 32 in the last tournament and said government will continue investing in both infrastructure and the environment needed for Ghanaian sports to grow.
He stressed that “this stadium belongs to the people, and its redevelopment must reflect the aspirations of this community.”
The stadium, established in 1958, is expected to be transformed into a modern facility by the time Ghana marks 70 years of independence next year.
