Former Ghana international and Fulham star Derek Boateng has criticized the Ghana Football Association (GFA), accusing it of prioritizing money over the well-being of the Black Stars’ playing conditions. 
His remarks were made in response to CAF’s recent Baba Yara Sports Stadium ban.
Due to the CAF’s imposed stadium ban, Ghana is facing a difficult situation for its upcoming 2025 AFCON qualifier against Sudan. The Black Stars might have to play in Togo, Nigeria, or Ivory Coast, as CAF has deemed the Baba Yara Sports Stadium unfit. CAF’s recommendation for a full pitch reconstruction underscored the situation’s urgency. 
The governing body has advised Ghanaian authorities to examine other prominent stadiums to verify their adherence to technical standards.
Boateng openly expressed his discontent and called on the GFA to take action regarding the situation. “It is unfortunate. This job is a huge job. One person cannot do it,” Boateng said. “The FA needs to wake up and do something because this is their job, to make sure all the fields are good for the players to play.”
Additionally, he accused the GFA of disregarding player welfare, stating, “All they care about is money.” We have players coming from Europe, used to good fields, and then they come here to play on a poor pitch, and we expect them to perform well and win games?”
Boateng’s call for immediate action from the GFA is a stark reminder of the urgency of the situation. He asserts that the association’s commitment to football can be measured by how quickly and effectively it resolves the issue before the upcoming qualifiers in October.
In light of the increasing criticism, the Sports Ministry has directed the National Sports Authority to resolve the pitch-related issues at the Baba Yara Stadium. Nevertheless, the National Stadium Authority’s income from renting out stadiums for non-sporting events has led to neglect and deterioration of the facilities.