BY Issah Olegor
The Public Relations Officer of the Eastern Regional office of the National Sports Authority, Priscilla Oduro Antwi, has publicly raised concerns over what she describes as difficult working conditions and severe logistical challenges affecting the institution’s operations in the region.
According to Oduro Antwi, staff members are often compelled to use personal resources to keep the office functioning and to carry out official duties across the Eastern Region.
She described the situation as frustrating and unsustainable, particularly given the wide geographical area the regional office is expected to serve.
Lack of Vehicles Hindering Operations
Speaking about the day-to-day challenges facing the office, Oduro Antwi revealed that the regional NSA currently has no official vehicle, making transportation one of their biggest obstacles.
“I have to use a tricycle every time. We have no car at the regional NSA, it’s sad,” she stated.
She explained that the Eastern Region has 33 districts, all of which fall under the authority’s operational responsibility. However, due to the lack of transportation and financial support, officials are often unable to effectively monitor or organize sporting activities outside the regional capital, Koforidua.
“There are 33 districts in the Eastern Region and we have to work in all of these districts but because of vehicular challenges, we are always based in Koforidua,” she said.
Staff Allegedly Using Personal Funds
Oduro Antwi further disclosed that workers frequently contribute personal funds to support office operations, including essential utilities such as electricity.
“Even money for operations we don’t have, we always use our own money to execute our operations. We sometimes contribute monies to pay for pre-paid for office use when the lights go off,” she lamented.
Her comments paint a picture of an institution struggling with inadequate resources despite its mandate to promote and develop sports at the grassroots level.
Dependence on Municipal Assemblies
The NSA spokesperson also revealed that the office often relies on support from Municipal Assemblies whenever sporting events are organized in the region.
According to her, this dependence has created a public perception that the authority exists mainly to seek assistance rather than independently coordinate sporting activities.
“It’s always the Municipal Assembly that we resort to help us with our events. It has gone to the extent that when people see the NSA, they feel we are there to beg for assistance,” she added.
Call for Public Attention and Support
Oduro Antwi appealed to the media to help highlight the challenges confronting the regional office in the hope that authorities and stakeholders will intervene. “[The media] is the mouthpiece that can speak for us to get help,” she appealed.
Challenges Facing Sports Administration
The National Sports Authority, which is responsible for the development and management of sports infrastructure and activities across Ghana, has in recent years faced criticism over funding constraints and deteriorating operational conditions in some regions.
While attention is often focused on national teams and elite competitions, regional offices play a critical role in grassroots sports development, talent identification, and organizing local sporting activities.
However, limited resources have continued to hamper the effectiveness of many regional branches.
