Absence of indoor sports facilities in Ghana … A major concern for sports economy
In Ghana, there are only two national-level indoor sports halls. The Accra Stadium's Dayaram Gangaram (DG) Hathiramani Sports Hall and the Trust Sports Emporium's Ga Mashie Hall.
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Even though Ghana has 16 regions, these sports halls are all centered in the country's capital.
These two facilities do not have the attributes of a modern indoor arena. Despite this, they have hosted international table tennis, boxing, judo, karate-do and taekwondo contests.
The forthcoming African games set for next year may produce a few new ones with qualities that match world standards. However, for the time being, the country suffers significantly due to a shortage of indoor arenas for both local and international competition.
Sports are played inside
Aside from football, equestrian, rowing, skiing, athletics and a few other outdoor sports, the bulk of sports are held indoors.
In more industrialised nations, such facilities are built by the state, private enterprises or huge corporations with a sports focus.
The majority of sporting events take place inside. Crowds stream in to pay for their tickets and take their seats before the event begins.
Competitors’ apparel and other paraphernalia are sold to help the clubs or teams’ efforts.
Advantages of indoor arenas
Indoor arenas shield people from elements such as sunburn, rain, cold and high humidity, and they are easy to repair when they start to deteriorate.
In Ghana, a tropical country, an indoor arena should be the primary emphasis of sports stakeholders. Recent Premier League clubs’ protests about the lack of spectators at football matches can be traced back to the influence of outside facilities on spectators.
Need for indoor arenas
With a growing middle class and population, the country's sports economy is expected to increase.
Indoor arenas are the way to go if the state is serious about building a successful sports industry that can have a substantial impact on the national economy.
Because it will provide employment for artisans and engineers who will maintain the facility, as well as administrators who will oversee the arena, cleaners, ticket agents and technicians.
When sports fans visit the arena, ticket sales and goods revenue is generated, which helps both the teams and the government.
With the African Games approaching, which will be held primarily in yet-to-be-built indoor arenas around the country, it is an opportune time to reflect on how to build on in-door games and position the country to take full advantage of building such facilities across the length and breadth of the nation.
By so doing, we will be proving opportunities for future talents to hone their skills and become world stars.
