Prominent sports journalist Jeffrey Asare has strongly criticised the government’s revocation of a tax waiver granted to Gold Fields Ghana for the construction of the TNA Stadium.
According to a report from Sompa FM, the government has rescinded a $2 million tax waiver previously extended to the mining company for the redevelopment of the TNA Stadium in Tarkwa.
Sharing his perspective on the government’s decision, Asare emphasised that the government had not been compelled to offer the tax waiver initially. He argued that Gold Fields did not require the waiver because they were capable of financing the $16 million project on their own.
“Why are you surprised? ” He asked the host. “Who said the government thinks about you? Government, you have disgraced yourselves. You couldn’t do anything, even the Sunyani project you disgraced yourselves. You couldn’t do anything significant at the Coronation Park. Even those that President Kufour built, you couldn’t maintain. Takoradi, Esipon, even that you couldn’t maintain,” he said on Sompa TV.
“A company that respects the area it operates has built this. Wait, who even told them to go and make the promise? Who forced them? Nobody forced you… They were doing their thing and did not need your $2 million tax waiver.
“With or without it, they would’ve done it anyway. If they have been able to raise $16 million, what is $2 million? Meanwhile, this would end up costing more than that because of how prices go up. They don’t need your tax waiver. Nobody requested it.”
In 2020, Goldfields Ghana, the primary sponsor of Medeama, revealed its commitment to invest GH₵ 65 million, which was equivalent to $16 million in dollars at the time, for the renovation and improvement of Medeama’s TNA Stadium.
“The ongoing upgrade of the TNA park, which is heavily funded by Goldfields Ghana Limited, has a construction cost of Ghc 65 million. The mining company is investing an enormous sum in the extensive development of TNA Park, which has operated over the years as the home for top league sides like Medeama SC.
“The new stadium, with a capacity of 10,400 seats, would feature updated amenities as well as disabled access. When completed, the facility will also be used by colts and division one clubs in Tarkwa.”
The stadium is 80% complete and is set to be ready for use in March 2024.