World football governing body, FIFA, has confirmed that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) received over $260,000 for the maintenance of grass pitches in the country.
In an email to JoySports’ Muftawu Nabila Abdulai, FIFA stated that the funds were allocated for the “installation of boreholes and water tanks” to improve pitch conditions.
A publication on FIFA’s website last week revealed that “FIFA Forward has also contributed to the maintenance of natural grass pitches at 80 venues in Ghana, benefiting Women’s Premier League and regional women’s clubs, as well as the purchase of footballs for youth and regional development.
“This initiative has supported regional women’s teams, where many of the U-20 national players began their careers.”
This revelation has sparked widespread debate, with many questioning the current state of these pitches, none of which seem to be in a suitable condition to host even a Black Stars training session.
However, FIFA clarified in an email to Muftawu Nabila Abdulai, explaining, “FIFA assisted the GFA in maintaining natural grass pitches at 80 match venues across Ghana. This included the installation of boreholes and water tanks, ensuring that the venues met the minimum club licensing requirements. The total support amounted to $267,273.”
About three years ago, the Ghana FA, in a statement on its website, announced the approval of the “Ghana Football Association Borehole Project” by FIFA.
The statement mentioned that the GFA Executive Council had decided to invest part of the FIFA Forward 1.0 programme funds to improve the quality of pitches and competitions through the installation of boreholes at game centres across the country.
“The borehole project, once completed, will be used to develop pitches for the Premier League, Division One League, Women’s Premier League, and Game Centres of Regional Football Associations, ensuring year-round use, including during the dry season,” the statement read.
At the time, the exact number of pitches and the total amount involved were not disclosed, but FIFA has now confirmed that the funding exceeded $260,000.
Source: Muftawu Nabila Abdulai