The recently constructed $145 million Borteyman Sports Complex, which hosted the 2023 African Games in Accra, has become a topic of concern following a viral video showing a church service being held in one of its halls.
The facility, used for various indoor sports during the near month-long event, has raised fears about its future maintenance and usage.
The video, posted on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), displays a church service taking place inside one of the Domes of the multipurpose complex. This has led to worries about the fate of the sports complex, considering the history of other high-end sports facilities in Ghana that have deteriorated due to poor maintenance.
The Borteyman Sports Complex, which includes multiple tennis courts, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and a handball court, is slated to be converted into a Sports University, according to Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif. However, the current use of the facility for non-sporting events has sparked debate about its long-term upkeep and functionality.
This concern echoes past issues with other sports venues such as the Essipong Stadium in Sekondi and the Aliu Mahama Stadium in Tamale, both built for the 2008 AFCON but now in a state of disrepair.
A recent video showing the poor condition of the pitch at the Aliu Mahama Stadium, during the BAC Group All-Star Festival featuring Black Stars players Andre Dede Ayew and Fatawu Issahaku, further highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining sports infrastructure in Ghana.
