Despite the official green light from the Volta Regional GES Directorate, the Central Zonal Inter-Schools Sports Festival is facing a crisis of readiness. A final check by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on the eve
of the competition revealed a campus that many students described as "dull" and "unprepared."
The primary concern centers on the state of the sporting facilities, which have seen little to no professional maintenance ahead of the arrival of participating schools.
"God is My Barber": The State of Facilities
The condition of the venues has become a point of frustration for both athletes and staff:
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The Main Field: Described by students as "sakura" (completely barren), the rough and uneven surface poses a significant injury risk to footballers and track athletes.
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The Courts: Handball and volleyball courts show signs of severe neglect. The basketball court, while clean, is equipped with exposed metal seating that becomes dangerously hot under the intense February sun.
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The "Solo" Burden: Sources indicate that Mawuli School was originally meant to co-host with the Ho Sports Stadium, but the stadium was dropped due to financial constraints, leaving the school to shoulder the logistical burden alone.
Calls for a Ministerial "Rescue"
Public criticism has intensified, with residents questioning how the school managed a grand 75th-anniversary celebration but appears unable to prep for a zonal tournament. There are now urgent calls for Hon. James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, to intervene.
Known as a strong advocate for sports development, Gunu is being urged by the community to provide the emergency funding and logistical support needed to prevent further embarrassment to the region.
| Stakeholder | Current Status | Reported Action |
| Zonal Leadership | Absent | Staff report zero assistance in prepping fields/tracks. |
| Participating Schools | Reporting | Expected on campus since Feb 10. |
| Athletes | Training | Limited to evening sessions due to lack of setup. |
| GES Directorate | Monitoring | Rescinded postponement but has not provided resources. |
The Bottom Line
The 2026 Central Zonal Games are officially underway, but the "sakura" fields of Mawuli School serve as a stark reminder of the region's funding crisis. Without a swift "rescue" from the Regional Coordinating Council or the Education Directorate, the athletes' safety and the competition's quality remain in jeopardy.
