Following the low turnout at the nine stadiums with the ongoing 13th African game, a member of the local organizing committee, Dan Kweku Yeboah has announced that entry has been made free for attendance at the games event for the regular stand with VIPs rather going at a cost.
This comes as an effort to boost spectator attendance and create a more inclusive environment at the 2023 edition of the African Games. This will take effect today, March 12th, 2024.
Mr. Yeboah’s revelation comes after the Deputy Director General of the National Sports Authority, Abdul Majeed Bawa had also revealed previously that certain competitions will not be ticketed but rather free to spectators.
Speaking to Univers News, some students and the general public gave their thoughts on the development, commending the measure as it will help boost the turnouts. For some however, a reduction in ticket prices was a better option over rendering it free, as national revenue is doomed to suffer a loss.
“I think that the prices of the tickets should have rather been reduced instead of being made free for the general public, I’m however happy it has also been made free but thinking of the costs that were incurred in constructing these stadiums, it is not advisable because this will cost a huge lost to the state.”
“I’m glad it has been made affordable to all at least it will help boost turnouts at the stadium.”
“Decreasing the price and making it a free entry will depend on various factors and its approach has its advantages and disadvantages Looking at the revenue generation, decreasing the price is much more advisable than making it free, making it free will increase attendance and promote a foster community but the revenue of the states will be affected.”
The African Games would continue until the 23rd March, 2024. Currently, Ghana has five medals to boast of from the competition; two gold medals, two silver medals and one bronze medal.
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Story by: Asumugha Whitney Amarachukwu | univers.ug.edu.gh
