Shaken Up: Akufo-Addo Axes NSA Chief After Baba Yara Stadium License Controversy
- Dodzie Numekevor was sacked following CAF’s decision to revoke the Baba Yara Stadium's international license
- Akufo-Addo held officials responsible for the stadium’s prior rental for a church event
- The NSA has faced scrutiny over the poor conditions of key sports facilities
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has swiftly dismissed Dodzie Numekevor, the Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), in the wake of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) revoking the Baba Yara Sports Stadium’s license to host international matches.
The dismissal follows a decision by the president to hold accountable those involved in renting out the stadium for a church event just days before Ghana’s crucial AFCON 2025 qualifier against Angola.
Akufo-Addo has warned the Sports Minister, Mustapha Ussif, that he will be held responsible if any home matches must be played abroad.
The Sports Minister’s Chief Director, William Kartay Caesar, has sought clarification from Numekevor regarding his leadership of an authority that has embarrassed both the presidency and the nation.
Numekevor was given until September 18 to respond to this query but was ultimately relieved of his duties the following day as the president expressed dissatisfaction with the state of sports infrastructure under his management.
Before his dismissal, Numekevor had initiated maintenance closures for the Baba Yara, Accra, and Cape Coast stadiums due to growing concerns over their conditions.
CAF’s letter to the Ghana Football Association highlighted the need for reconstruction at Baba Yara and noted the poor state of the other facilities.
As a result, the Ghana FA has been directed to select an approved venue outside of Ghana for an upcoming match against Sudan, with Togo being a potential option if local facilities cannot be secured.
Numekevor had been serving as the interim Director General of the NSA since February 26, 2024, following the tenure of Professor Peter Twumasi.