If you have followed Ghana sports over the last few years, the dysfunction of the National Sports Authority (NSA) will not be lost on you. Setup by law to promote and develop sports, has been to a notorious cash strapped, malfunctioning state institution presiding over dilapidated sports infrastructures.

Whether it is its regional office in the Ashanti, or Accra, the nation’s capital, the NSA often owe electricity user fees, forcing the Electricity Company of Ghana to cut off the national grid. That means not only would air condition rooms at the stadium not work, but floodlights would also not be lit, that is if they are not faulty.

The NSA could not maintain stadium pitches, that is, water the green grass, if you like; putting Ghana on the brink of playing her national team matches abroad. Spirited last minute efforts prevented that shame from happening last year. All these aside, a turf war existed between the former NSA Director, Prof. Peter Twumasi and the Youth and Sports Minister, Ussif Mustapha much to the dismay of sports fans.

Prof. Twumasi was sacked after months of public criticism of his stewardship. His successor, Dr. Dodzie Numekevor became a victim of circumstances when Ghana almost lost the rights to host matches at home because of poor infrastructure. Dr. Numekevor was dismissed by the then government.

This is the story of the NSA. The situation of the NSA warrants attention if the much-needed growth of Ghana sports is to be achieved. Many have commended the President, John Mahama for his appointment of senior sports journalist, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah to head the NSA. I have also lauded President for that honour handed Yaw.

It is an appointment that has the cork appropriately fitting the bottle but it is also a duty call that comes with lots of responsibilities. For anyone who knows the NSA, Yaw’s work will not be easy knowing that the NSA for instance is poorly resourced financially.

The good news is that Yaw brings years of sports journalism and administration experience that put him in the right stead to think and implement solutions to save the NSA. Yaw has done so well as a broadcast journalist from here to the BBC and back. He has been excelling with his new baby, Beach Soccer and all things being equal, many expect that he would help make NSA function as it should.