Ghana has long been home to talented athletes who have made significant strides on the international stage. However, the development and sustainability of athletic success depend not only on individual talent and commitment but also on the quality of facilities available. Ghana’s track and field facilities serve as the bedrock of athletic training and development, and while several key training centres exist, the nation still faces challenges in creating an environment that supports athletes across all levels. In this review, we explore the state of Ghana’s athletic infrastructure, the most prominent training facilities, and the areas where improvements are needed to foster future champions.
Table of Contents
- The Importance of Quality Track and Field Facilities
- Overview of Ghana’s Major Track and Field Facilities
- Accra Sports Stadium (Not in use)
- Baba Yara Sports Stadium
- Cape Coast Sports Stadium
- Tamale Sports Stadium
- University of Ghana Sports Stadium
- Paa Joe Sports Stadium (Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, KNUST)
- Sekondi-Takoradi Sports Stadium
- Additional Training Facilities and Resources in Ghana
- Challenges Facing Ghana’s Track and Field Infrastructure
- Insufficient Funding and Maintenance
- Limited Access to Modern Equipment
- Lack of Youth-Focused Facilities
- Geographic Inequality of Facilities
- Potential Areas for Improvement
- The Role of Government and Private Partnerships in Facility Development
- A Vision for the Future of Ghana’s Track and Field Infrastructure
1. The Importance of Quality Track and Field Facilities
Track and field facilities are essential to any nation’s athletic success. Quality facilities provide a safe, well-maintained environment that allows athletes to train efficiently, refine techniques, and build the endurance needed to compete. For Ghana, which has a rich history in athletics—particularly in sprints and jumps—upgrading track and field facilities would aid current athletes and foster the growth of the next generation. Furthermore, modernized facilities attract international events, boost local economies, and inspire young athletes to pursue sports.
Ghana’s track and field infrastructure supports the athletic community and the nation’s broader goals of promoting health, national pride, and global representation in sports. However, for Ghana’s athletes to compete with the best in the world, access to world-class facilities is paramount.
2. Overview of Ghana’s Major Track and Field Facilities
Ghana’s major sports facilities are centred in key cities, each serving as a training ground for athletes and hosting national competitions. Below is a closer look at some of the most prominent facilities.
Accra Sports Stadium
Accra Sports Stadium, one of the oldest and most iconic sports venues in Ghana, serves as a key location for track and field training. The stadium, located in Ghana’s capital, Accra, has a seating capacity of over 40,000 and has hosted numerous international and national events, including the African Games. The stadium’s track has seen multiple upgrades over the years, but it still faces challenges in terms of maintenance and access to modern facilities. For athletes who reside in Accra, the stadium was often their primary training location, until it was renovated in 2006 when the Tartan track was removed, though it could benefit from enhancements to provide a world-class experience. Currently, the Accra Sports Stadium has no athletic track for training.
Baba Yara Sports Stadium
Located in Kumasi, the Baba Yara Sports Stadium is Ghana’s second-largest stadium, with a seating capacity of 40,528. Named after the celebrated Ghanaian footballer Baba Yara, the stadium serves as a crucial training hub for athletes based in the Ashanti Region. Its track and field facilities cater to a wide range of athletic disciplines, and the stadium has hosted numerous regional and national competitions. While it’s a major training facility, limited maintenance and upgrades have affected the track’s quality over time. Nonetheless, Baba Yara Stadium remains essential for developing talent in the region.
Cape Coast Sports Stadium
The Cape Coast Sports Stadium is a more recent addition to Ghana’s sports infrastructure. Built with the assistance of Chinese investment and completed in 2016, the stadium has a seating capacity of 15,000 and includes a well-maintained track. Located in the Central Region, the stadium has quickly become a key training facility for both local athletes and national events. Its modern amenities make it one of Ghana’s more reliable training sites, though access is limited for athletes not based in Cape Coast. The stadium’s track is well-suited for sprints, long-distance, and jumping events, but additional resources could enhance training opportunities.
Tamale Sports Stadium
Tamale Sports Stadium, also known as Aliu Mahama Stadium, is situated in the Northern Region. With a seating capacity of 20,000, the stadium serves as a key athletic centre for northern Ghana. Although the track is suitable for various athletic disciplines, the stadium has faced challenges related to maintenance and accessibility. Located far from Accra, it is often underutilized for national events, despite having the potential to serve a larger community of athletes. Improvements to the stadium could provide more training opportunities for athletes in the northern part of the country.
University of Ghana of Sports Stadium
The University of Ghana Sports Stadium, also known as the Legon Sports Stadium, is now the best and most modern track for athletes to train on currently. There are currently two stadia that aid athletes in training and competition. The University of Ghana Sports Stadium is the first stadium in Ghana to have a Mundo track. The UG Sports stadium was renovated to host the 13th African Games. It has also hosted numerous athletic events and football games as well.
Former President John Agyekum Kufour’s administration began the construction of the stadium but it came to a halt in 2007 and remained dormant, although it was hosting some sporting events not up to the international standard.
The completion was celebrated during the University of Ghana’s 75th-anniversary celebrations, and the current Vice President of Ghana, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, acknowledged the significant contributions of President Kuffour’s government and other stakeholders in making the multimillion-dollar project a reality. The capacity of the stadium is 11,000 and it is an ideal venue to host many sports.
Paa Joe Sports Stadium
The Paa Joe Sports Stadium is a fantastic stadium located inside the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) campus in Kumasi, Ashanti Region. The Paa Joe Stadium has hosted various events like the Ghana Junior Olympics Championships, the 27th Ghana Universities Sports Association (GUSA) Games in 2022, and the Ghana Athletics Championships.
Although the facility is the property of KNUST, it is not usually open to the public as compared to the Baba Yara Sports Stadium. The facility is still in good shape, and athletes of the university train there always.
Sekondi-Takoradi Sports Stadium
The Sekondi-Takoradi Sports Stadium is located in the Western region of Ghana and its among the few stadia that were built to host the 2006 African Cup of Nations. The nature of the stadium is not in good shape currently and it’s closed down for maintenance.
El Wak Sports Stadium
The El Wak Sports Stadium was one of the few stadiums in Ghana that was once a place to host athletic events. The El Wak Stadium is located in the capital city of Ghana. The nature of the tartan track has been detorated and since it was built, there has not been a single renovation there. Currently, athletes train there, but it’s not advisable because of the state of the tartan track.
3. Additional Training Facilities and Resources in Ghana
Beyond the major stadiums, Ghana has several smaller training centres, including university sports complexes and private training facilities. Universities such as the University of Cape Coast (UCC) have athletic tracks used by students and local athletes. These university facilities are important because they provide additional training spaces, especially for youth athletes and students. However, these facilities are often restricted to students and lack the advanced equipment needed for high-performance training.
Several private clubs and gyms also support athletic training, though they may not specifically cater to track and field athletes. These facilities typically provide supplementary training in strength and conditioning, which is beneficial to athletes’ overall fitness. However, the lack of dedicated private track and field facilities limits training options, pushing athletes to rely heavily on government-owned stadiums.
4. Challenges Facing Ghana’s Track and Field Infrastructure
Ghana’s track and field facilities, while crucial to athletic development, face several challenges that limit their effectiveness in training world-class athletes. The following are some of the primary obstacles to improved infrastructure.
Insufficient Funding and Maintenance
One of the most significant issues plaguing Ghana’s track and field infrastructure is a lack of consistent funding. Many stadiums have gone years without essential upgrades, causing track surfaces to deteriorate and equipment to become outdated. Without sufficient funding, regular maintenance is a challenge, and athletes are often forced to train on worn tracks or use broken equipment, which impacts their performance and safety.
Limited Access to Modern Equipment
Modern track and field training requires specialized equipment, including hurdles, high-quality starting blocks, and advanced timing systems. Unfortunately, many of Ghana’s training facilities lack this equipment. Without access to the latest training technologies, athletes are at a disadvantage when competing internationally, where other athletes benefit from superior resources and facilities.
Lack of Youth-Focused Facilities
To build a strong pipeline of future athletes, youth-focused facilities and training programs are essential. Currently, Ghana has a limited number of programs and spaces dedicated to youth athletics. Young athletes are often left to train in makeshift environments without guidance from specialized coaches. Establishing youth-friendly facilities would help Ghana nurture young talent from an early age, ensuring a more robust athletic future.
Geographic Inequality of Facilities
Most of Ghana’s premier track and field facilities are concentrated in urban centres such as Accra, Kumasi, and Cape Coast. This centralization means that athletes from rural areas, especially in northern and western Ghana, have limited access to quality training facilities. The geographic disparity restricts many talented athletes from reaching their full potential simply due to a lack of infrastructure in their regions.
5. Potential Areas for Improvement
Addressing the challenges facing Ghana’s track and field infrastructure requires targeted improvements across various areas:
- Increased Investment in Facility Upgrades: Allocating more funds to renovate existing stadiums, repair track surfaces, and provide essential equipment is critical. Facility upgrades would immediately improve training conditions for athletes at all levels.
- Introducing Modern Training Equipment: Procuring advanced training technology, such as automatic timing systems, high-quality starting blocks, and recovery equipment, would significantly enhance the training experience for athletes.
- Establishing Regional Training Centers: Developing smaller but well-equipped training centers in rural areas would provide more athletes with access to high-quality facilities, reducing geographic inequality.
- Youth Development Programs: Establishing dedicated youth training programs and facilities would allow younger athletes to develop their skills in a supportive environment, preparing them for higher levels of competition.
- Collaboration with International Partners: Forming partnerships with international sports organizations could facilitate knowledge sharing, funding, and access to advanced equipment. These partnerships would allow Ghana to bring in expert coaches, provide athletes with new perspectives, and improve overall performance.
6. The Role of Government and Private Partnerships in Facility Development
The Ghanaian government has a central role in funding and maintaining track and field infrastructure. However, public-private partnerships (PPPs) can be instrumental in enhancing these facilities. Partnering with private entities, such as corporate sponsors, sports organizations, and local businesses, would provide additional funding sources and reduce the financial burden on the government.
Moreover, foreign investment, particularly from nations that have successfully developed their sports infrastructure, could bring expertise and funding into Ghana’s athletic sector. This collaborative approach would support the construction of new facilities, improve existing ones, and provide the resources needed to train athletes at an elite level.
7. A Vision for the Future of Ghana’s Track and Field Infrastructure
To achieve sustained success in track and field, Ghana must invest in a long-term vision for its athletics infrastructure. This vision includes:
- National Training Centers of Excellence: Establishing a series of state-of-the-art training centres across Ghana that cater to various track and field events, including sprinting, long-distance running, jumping, and throwing.
- Comprehensive Youth Programs: Implementing programs that introduce track and field to youth at an early age and provide specialized coaching, mentorship, and access to quality facilities.
- Athlete Support Systems: Creating support systems for athletes, including physical therapy, mental health resources, and career guidance, to ensure they are well-rounded and prepared for life beyond sports.
- Hosting International Events: Upgrading facilities to meet international standards would allow Ghana to host global competitions, attracting tourism, investment, and greater exposure for local athletes.
Conclusion
The journey to world-class athletic performance begins with strong foundations, and Ghana’s track and field facilities are in urgent need of revitalization to meet international standards. By investing in infrastructure, introducing youth-focused programs, and encouraging government-private sector collaboration, Ghana can build a sustainable athletic future. Ensuring that every talented athlete has access to top-quality facilities, regardless of their location, will not only elevate Ghana’s standing on the global sports stage but will also inspire future generations to pursue excellence in athletics. As Ghana envisions a brighter future for track and field, it is evident that a commitment to better facilities and resources is the way forward.