President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has dismissed the Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Dodzie Numekevor, with immediate effect.
The decision reportedly follows CAF’s withdrawal of Baba Yara Sports Stadium’s license from hosting international matches.
On Monday, President Akufo-Addo ordered the sacking of individuals responsible for renting out the Baba Yara Stadium for a church program for six days prior to the AFCON 2025 qualifier against Angola.
The President also reportedly told the Sports Minister he will be held responsible if Ghana plays any of its home matches outside of this country.
The Sports Minister, Mustapha Ussif, through his Chief Director, William Kartay Caesar, queried Mr. Numekevor, demanding that he explain why he should not be penalised for leading an authority that has embarrassed the office of the president and the country at large.
Mr. Numekevor had Wednesday, September 18, 2024, to respond to the query, but President Akufo-Addo, who appears dissatisfied with the state of sports infrastructure under the NSA’s leadership, relieved him off his duty Tuesday afternoon, JoySports sources revealed.
Prior to his dismissal, he had closed down Baba Yara, Accra, and Cape Coast stadia for maintenance. It was in response to growing concerns about the bad nature of the facilities.
CAF recommended reconstruction of the Baba Yara pitch and noted the poor state of the Accra and Cape Coast Sports Stadiums in a letter to the Ghana Football Association on September 10.
Ghana FA was directed to choose an approved venue outside Ghana to host Sudan on matchday 3 in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
Ghana is currently considering Togo if the country is unable to convince any of its facilities to host Sudan.
Dr. Dodzie Numekevor had been serving as interim Director General of the NSA since February 26, 2024, after taking over from Professor Peter Twumasi, who held the position for six years.