FEATURE: Ghanaian sports stadiums need remodification, not refurbishment!!

President John Dramani Mahama's announcement of his government's commitment to develop new sports infrastructure across the country with the construction of sports stadiums in the six newly created regions and other areas without such facilities though laudable, it must be done with alot of considerations.During the erstwhile administration, the national youth Authority and the NSA collaborated to put up ten sports resource centers across the country( Ho, Wa, Axim,Dormaa, Dunkwa-on- Offin, Kaneshie, Navrongo, Yendi, and Nyinahini).Even though some of these resource centers were to provide, services including state-of-the-art sports infrastructure, counseling centers, and entrepreneurship hubs, little is known of its success as envisioned.So I ask, what has become of these projects and the services they were to offer to the communities mentioned?What has become of the maintenance of these centers ( those successfully completed and commissioned)?What's the plan for the uncompleted ones left?Putting up such infrastructures is supposed to develop and harness talents and lead to interest in sports exercises among the youth and adults, but we can not boost anything like that even with the old and existing facilities.The local economies of these communities are supposed to be the ultimate beneficiaries of these facilities again that is far fetched.So if in the interest of government, the six new regions must benefit from sports infrastructure, we must also remind the government that the existing ones must be taken to the surgical ward.Most existing Ghanaian sports stadiums require remodification rather than simple refurbishment due to a combination of structural, functional, technological, and regulatory inadequacies that can not be addressed by surface-level renovations.1. Outdated Structural DesignMany stadiums in Ghana were constructed decades ago using outdated architectural standards and materials. Their core infrastructure (seating layout, drainage systems, roofing, emergency exits) does not meet modern safety and capacity expectations.Refurbishment typically addresses cosmetic improvements (e.g., painting, minor repairs), but remodification involves reengineering spaces to meet international standards like those set by FIFA, CAF, and IOC.> Several stadiums in Africa, including those in Ghana, were built in eras where capacity and safety standards were different. These structures now require holistic redesigns to align with modern codes (FIFA, 2021).2. Non-Compliant with International StandardsModern stadiums must comply with international accessibility, media, athlete welfare, security, and broadcasting requirements. Ghanaian stadiums often lack:Accessible seating and facilities for disabled persons.High-quality media zones and mixed zones for athletes.Advanced security surveillance systems.Integrated medical and doping control areas.> Sporting facilities that do not meet international regulations are ineligible to host global or continental tournaments (CAF, 2023).3. Technological ObsolescenceRemodification is essential to integrate:High-speed Wi-Fi for fans and broadcasters.Smart ticketing and crowd analytics.LED lighting, HD giant screens, and VAR facilities.Refurbishment can't solve such systemic deficiencies.> Smart stadiums are the future of fan engagement. Without foundational changes, African stadiums cannot compete (PwC Sports Outlook, 2022).4. Poor Fan ExperienceMost Ghanaian stadiums offer poor seating comfort, inadequate restrooms, limited hospitality options, and poor acoustics. Remodification enables the redesign of:Seating arrangements for better visibility and comfort.Addition of VIP lounges, food courts, and fan zones.Redesigning concourses to improve crowd flow.> Modern fans demand more than just a seat; they want a holistic, immersive experience (Deloitte, 2022).5. Lack of Commercial SpacesContemporary stadiums serve as commercial hubs with hotels, restaurants, retail spaces, gyms, and conference rooms. Ghanaian stadiums lack these, impacting revenue generation.> A stadium that cannot operate 365 days a year is a liability (KPMG Sports Advisory, 2023).6. Environmental and Sustainability ConsiderationsNew global sports facility design includes:Solar panels and renewable energy systems.Sustainable water recycling.Environmentally friendly materials.Ghanaian stadiums require remodification to align with these goals.> Green stadiums are part of global climate and ESG commitments (UNEP, 2021).7. Inadequate Emergency and Crowd Management SystemsMost local stadiums were not built with:Proper evacuation routes.Fire suppression and first-aid centers.Crowd monitoring and communication tools.Remodification allows full-scale integration of these critical systems.8. Revenue DiversificationModern stadiums integrate multi-purpose uses: concerts, community events, corporate leasing, and more. Remodification helps reconfigure space for multifunctionality.> Stadium remodification enables increased monetization through diverse programming (EY Sports Facilities Report, 2021).Summary Table: Refurbishment vs. RemodificationFeature Refurbishment RemodificationScope Cosmetic / Surface-level Structural & systemicTech upgrade Minimal IntegratedRevenue models Limited DiverseInternational compliance Partially met Fully alignedSafety redesign Not addressed Holistically tackled.While refurbishment may be cheaper and quicker, remodification addresses the foundational inadequacies of Ghanaian stadiums. It prepares them for future global events, enhances fan experience, ensures safety, and opens up sustainable revenue streams.The time has come for Ghana to invest in long-term, sustainable stadium solutions.Benjamin Willie Graham Manchester Metropolitan University ( Sports Business Management and Policy) Read Full Story