The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has barred Ghana’s only authorized stadium, the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, from hosting international matches, highlighting the appalling state of Ghana’s football facilities.
Due to the NSA’s neglect and disregard, CAF had no option but to ban the venue from hosting international matches.
The government’s negligence towards widespread concerns about the quality of the Baba Yara stadium facility is a major embarrassment.
This decision comes after several technical violations were noted during the Ghana vs Angola match on September 5, 2024.
The main issue that CAF inspectors draw attention to is the poor condition of the playing field.
With a capacity of over 40,000 spectators, the stadium has seen a notable decline in its pitch quality, including uneven surfaces, inadequate grass cover, and poor drainage.
The stadium’s shortcomings fail to meet CAF regulations for hosting Category 3 international matches.
CAF has consistently expressed concerns about Ghanaian stadiums.
The CAF letter emphasizes past warnings about the condition of Baba Yara Stadium, as well as Cape Coast Stadium and Accra Sports Stadium.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is in a predicament because there are no alternative venues that meet CAF’s Category 3 criteria.
CAF has requested that GFA identify a suitable venue outside of Ghana for the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 qualifiers on Matchday 3 and 4.
With the new directive, Ghana has no choice but to host matches abroad because the Baba Yara Stadium did not meet the requirements.
CAF has urged Ghanaian authorities to urgently assess all major international stadiums for compliance with technical standards.
CAF has extended its assistance to Ghana in renovating its stadiums to meet global requirements, going beyond the immediate crisis.
The support offered includes an experienced pitch consultant, specifically skilled in major international competitions such as AFCON, who can provide expert guidance on the required renovations.
The GFA would be responsible for paying for this consultancy.
Following the renovations, CAF will assess the suitability of the Baba Yara Stadium for future matches through an independent inspection, as requested and funded by the GFA.
The GFA has acknowledged the situation and vowed to cooperate with the government to fast-track the needed improvements and restore Baba Yara Stadium to its former glory.
This development jeopardizes Ghana’s upcoming international fixtures in October, prompting them to search for alternative venues abroad.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is currently seeking a new location. La Cote D’voire, Togo, and the newly renovated T&A Stadium in Tarkwa are being considered.