“We will look to build new stadiums across the new regions in Ghana to bridge the gap” – President John Dramani Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans for the construction of modern sports stadiums in Ghana’s six newly created regions and other underserved areas, as part of a broader vision to promote sporting excellence and youth development across the country.
The pledge, which was made during a campaign stop in northern Ghana, underscores Mahama’s continued focus on equitable infrastructure development — a hallmark of his previous administration.
“Every region deserves access to quality sports infrastructure,” Mahama said. “It’s time we extended modern facilities to the new regions and to areas long overlooked in national planning.”
Ghana’s six new regions — Oti, Western North, Bono East, Ahafo, Savannah, and North East — were created in 2019 through a constitutional referendum. Many of these regions currently lack major sporting facilities, leaving athletes and youth with limited access to standard training environments.
President Mahama’s proposal aims to close that gap, ensuring that all regions benefit from national investments in sports. The stadiums are expected to serve not only football but also athletics, community events, and youth-focused programs.
While details of the project timelines and funding sources have yet to be publicly disclosed, the announcement has reignited conversations about stadium design — particularly in light of the Tamale Sports Stadium, which has become a national reference point for its all-roofed seating areas.
“We hope these new stadiums will follow the example of Tamale — fully roofed and designed with modern comfort and climate considerations in mind,” said Kwame Antwi, a sports architect based in Accra.
The Tamale Sports Stadium, now over a decade old, has earned praise for its full-roof design that offers shelter from Ghana’s intense sun and seasonal rains, while also improving acoustics and enhancing fan experience. Advocates are calling for similar attention to detail in the upcoming stadiums, citing both functionality and aesthetics.
Photos of the Tamale venue continue to trend on social media as citizens express hopes that the new projects will replicate or surpass its quality.
President Mahama has long linked sports development to youth empowerment, arguing that access to high-quality facilities is a catalyst for regional talent discovery and social cohesion. During his previous tenure, he oversaw the rehabilitation of several stadiums and initiated youth employment programs connected to sports and recreation.
If realised, the stadium project could mark a transformative moment in Ghanaian sports, providing long-needed infrastructure while nurturing the next generation of athletes from every corner of the country.
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