Despite recent concerns over the stadium’s condition, the unwavering commitment of the Ghanaian authorities to ensure the Baba Yara Sports Stadium is ready to host the 2025 African Cup of Nations qualifier should reassure the public.
The stadium, currently the only CAF-approved facility in Ghana, faced scrutiny after the turf showed significant deterioration just days before the crucial match.
The decline in the pitch quality was attributed to a five-day church program held at the stadium in July, which left the playing surface in poor condition.
This led to widespread concern among football fans in Kumasi about whether the upcoming match against Angola on September 5 would proceed as planned.
Resident Stephen Nti criticized the maintenance culture, calling for better use of taxpayer money and more proactive stadium management.
Another local football enthusiast, Desmond, suggested that a new stadium might be necessary, citing the ongoing deterioration of the existing facility.
However, the National Sports Authority (NSA) has taken proactive steps to address the situation. They have released new images showing significant improvements to the pitch. Patience Sharon Adams Mensah, a spokesperson for the NSA in the Ashanti Region, confirmed that necessary repairs and preparations are underway to ensure the stadium meets CAF standards for the qualifier.
“We are focused on getting “everything done,” Adams told Asaase News. “
“I have sent updated pitch pictures, and feedback has been positive. We assure Ghanaians that the pitch will be in excellent condition for the match on September 5.”
The Confederation of African Football (CAF), a key stakeholder in the 2025 AFCON Qualifier, had previously requested an updated version of the playing surface after rejecting the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) initial submission.
This is a standard procedure to ensure that all participating stadiums meet the required standards. Sports Minister Mustapha Yusif is expected to visit Kumasi to assess the situation before the August 30 deadline, further ensuring the stadium’s readiness.
In related comments, Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the presidential candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), emphasized the need for professional management of sports facilities.
Speaking in Accra, Bawumia highlighted the Black Stars’ concerns about the Stars’ international standard pitches and included this issue in the NPP’s political manifesto.
The NPP advocated for better maintenance practices, professional management, and training to improve the quality of pitches across the country.
