The former Chairman of Ghana Athletics, George Haldane Lutterodt, has strongly condemned the ongoing African Senior Athletics Championship in Accra, calling it a “complete shambles” and a “big disgrace to Ghana.” He has urged the President to ensure that “some heads roll” upon his return from Kenya.
Lutterodt, who is also an economist, shared his frustration on the sidelines of the event, which is being held at the Legon Sports Stadium and concludes on Sunday. The championship has faced widespread criticism over low spectator turnout, poor organisation, and repeated logistical failures.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic after attending Tuesday’s session as a spectator, the former GAA chief did not hold back. He said that while Ghanaians were excited to host the championship, the reality had been deeply embarrassing.
“A disaster. I mean athletes going to run for an event… it was a complete shambles. It was not only me; everybody was talking about it,” Lutterodt said.
He was particularly disappointed by the low crowd attendance, noting that only about 500 people showed up on the opening night in a 20,000-capacity stadium.
“The opening night is when the crowd comes for entertainment. I saw pictures and said, ‘What?’ I thought the crowd was going to be packed,” he lamented.
Lutterodt also recounted his own experience trying to enter the stadium, revealing that even as a former chairman, police officers challenged him for a pass. He compared Ghana’s disorganisation unfavourably to other athletics events, warning that the country’s ambition to host a World Athletics Championship was unrealistic under current conditions.
“Then you go out and say, ‘Oh, this is a country’… this thing has done damage to Ghana. It’s uncostable,” he said.
The former chairman placed the blame squarely on Ghana Athletics’ leadership, accusing them of lacking transparency and acting out of self-interest. He claimed the same group has been re-elected for the past 18 years and runs the association for personal gain.
“No transparency in anything they do. The people, it’s their personal freedom to do whatever they like. Young people don’t see that, but those of us who have seen this for a long time will not shy away from saying it,” Lutterodt stated.
He added that many athletes and administrators have been “intimidated into silence” for fear of being ostracised.
Despite his harsh criticism, Lutterodt said he has since encouraged some corporate bodies to send their staff to the stadium to boost local support for the event.
He described the Chief of Staff’s presence at the opening ceremony—standing in for the President—as a humiliating moment for the nation, insisting that the situation requires urgent presidential action.
“The President must. Heads must roll. I’m serious actually,” he stressed.
Attempts to get an official response from the Ghana Athletics Association were unsuccessful as of press time. The competition ends on Sunday.
