The Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium, located in Tamale, has been disconnected from the power grid by the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) due to unpaid bills amounting to GH¢466,000.
This development has affected the stadium’s operations and its ability to host matches.
NEDCo has been carrying out an intensive revenue mobilization exercise by disconnecting homes and offices that are in arrears.
The National Sports Authority’s Northern Regional Director, Salamatu Alhassan, confirmed that the stadium has been affected and has written to the head office of the National Sports Authority and the Sports Ministry to resolve the issue.
In a statement to Joy Sports, Salamatu Alhassan acknowledged the debt, stating that “We are owing and we have to own up.” She added that she had sent a letter to the head office via the ministries and requested two weeks to settle the debt.
The Aliu Mahama Stadium serves as the home venue for Tamale City and Real Tamale United, both teams in the Ghana Premier League.
With the stadium now disconnected from the power grid, it will be difficult for the teams to host matches and generate revenue. It is a worrying situation for the teams and their fans, who may have to look for alternative venues to play their matches.
According to NEDCo, power will only be restored when 70% of the debt is paid. This means that the National Sports Authority, which manages the stadium, must pay at least GH¢326,200 to get the power back on.
The situation has sparked a debate about the financial management of sporting facilities in Ghana. The Aliu Mahama Stadium is not the only facility with outstanding debts. Several other sporting facilities across the country are also in arrears, which may affect their operations in the near future.
In conclusion, the disconnection of the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium from the power grid due to unpaid bills is a significant blow to Tamale City and Real Tamale United, who rely on the stadium for their matches.
It is now up to the National Sports Authority and the Sports Ministry to take swift action to settle the debts and restore power to the stadium.