Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has offered a strong assurance to the supporters of Asante Kotoko and Ghanaian football fans that the Baba Yara Sports Stadium will be ready to host continental football when the CAF Confederation Cup kicks off later this year.
The Baba Yara Sports Stadium, which has long served as the fortress of Asante Kotoko and the Black Stars, is currently deemed unfit to host CAF and FIFA-sanctioned matches due to its deteriorating state.
This has led to Ghana’s national team relocating their home matches to the Accra Sports Stadium in recent months.
During a recent visit to the training base of Asante Kotoko ahead of the 2025 President’s Cup, Dr. Amoakohene revealed that the government has turned its focus on rehabilitating the iconic stadium, with plans for renovation already in motion.
“We toured some of the sporting facilities in the Ashanti Region with the Sports Minister. I am happy to report that we have received assurances that the Baba Yara Stadium will be rehabilitated. We are very hopeful that by the time CAF competitions begin, significant improvements will have been made.
Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene
The Ashanti Regional Minister emphasized that the Baba Yara Stadium is now a top priority for both the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation.
According to him, the rehabilitation project will be executed with urgency to ensure Asante Kotoko can host their home matches in Kumasi when they begin their CAF Confederation Cup campaign.
“The Baba Yara Stadium now has the full attention of the RCC and the Sports Ministry. We are committed to working together to ensure it is put in top shape to support our clubs on the continental stage”.
Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene
Despite the optimism, some fans remain cautiously hopeful, having witnessed several promises regarding stadium renovations fail to materialize in the past.
The prospect of playing their home games at their traditional home ground could significantly bolster Kotoko’s chances in Africa.
Kotoko, one of Africa’s most decorated clubs, boasts a rich history in CAF competitions, including two African Cup of Champions Clubs (now the CAF Champions League) titles.
However, recent years have seen them struggle to make deep runs in interclub tournaments, and much of their problems have been attributed to logistical challenges, lack of infrastructure, and managerial instability.
This assurance comes as a massive boost for the Porcupine Warriors, who will be representing Ghana in the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup after securing the MTN FA Cup title with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over lower-tier side Golden Kick FC last month.
A functional Baba Yara Stadium could have a positive ripple effect on Ghanaian football as a whole; not just for Kotoko.
Clubs such as King Faisal and Nations FC, who also operate within the Ashanti Region, stand to benefit from access to a CAF-standard venue.
Additionally, the Black Stars and other national teams may soon return to Kumasi, which has traditionally been a favorable ground for Ghanaian national teams.
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