The Ministry of Youth and Sports (MoYS) has directed the National Sports Authority (NSA) to swiftly address concerns regarding the condition of the Baba Yara Sports Stadium pitch.
Additionally, the Ministry instructed the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to request an immediate inspection of the Accra Sports Stadium and the newly-built University of Ghana Stadium by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). This inspection is intended to secure both venues as Category 3 match sites, enabling them to host the Black Stars’ upcoming international matches in October.
“The Ministry of Youth and Sports has been informed of a communique by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and its decision to withdraw approval of the Baba Yara Stadium as a suitable venue for CAF Category 3 matches.”
Ministry of Youth and Sports (MoYS)
The CAF notice raised particular concerns about the state of the pitch, a long-standing issue that has affected the stadium’s suitability for hosting high-profile matches. While the Baba Yara Stadium was previously an essential venue for Ghana’s international football fixtures, especially for the Black Stars, the deteriorating condition of the pitch has forced CAF to reconsider its status.
The communique specifically pointed out the subpar state of the pitch at Baba Yara Stadium, an issue that was flagged during a CAF inspection earlier in the year. According to CAF regulations, the pitch’s condition is critical in determining whether a stadium qualifies to host international matches.
In response to these concerns, the Baba Yara Stadium was closed after Ghana’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against Angola to allow for maintenance and renovations. While repairs are ongoing, the Ministry of Youth and Sports is keen to ensure that Ghana has alternative venues available for the Black Stars’ October match.
CAF’s Stadium Regulations categorize stadiums based on a range of factors including seating capacity, security infrastructure, and pitch quality. Category 3 status is a crucial benchmark, as it allows stadiums to host international matches at the highest level.
With the Baba Yara Stadium currently deemed unsuitable, the Ministry’s priority has shifted toward ensuring that other stadiums meet these stringent standards.
The Accra Sports Stadium, which has hosted numerous international games, was previously inspected by CAF. The inspection revealed several deficiencies, most of which have now been resolved, according to the Ministry.
However, a follow-up inspection by CAF’s independent inspectors will be needed to confirm the stadium’s compliance with the updated Category 3 requirements.
Simultaneously, the Ministry is turning its attention to the University of Ghana Stadium, a newly-built facility that has already been used to host CAF Category 2 matches. The venue was inaugurated with the aim of becoming a multipurpose sports complex and has quickly gained recognition for its modern amenities.
However, despite its hosting of Category 2 matches, it has yet to be inspected and approved by CAF for Category 3 status. This is a critical step if it is to be considered for upcoming international fixtures.
Confidence in the Outcome
Despite the urgency of the situation, the Ministry of Youth and Sports remains optimistic that both the Accra Sports Stadium and the University of Ghana Stadium will meet CAF’s requirements following the inspections.
“The Ministry is confident that the University of Ghana and Accra Sports Stadia will meet the requirements for CAF’s Category 3 matches after the inspection,” the statement read.
The Ministry also emphasized its commitment to continuously upgrading all national stadia to ensure they meet the required standards for international matches, highlighting the importance of infrastructure development in promoting sports in Ghana.
The Ministry’s focus on upgrading the country’s sports infrastructure aligns with its broader vision of enhancing sports development in Ghana.
Ensuring that the nation has multiple CAF-approved venues is critical not only for hosting international football matches but also for positioning Ghana as a potential host for larger tournaments, such as the Africa Cup of Nations or even global competitions.
The outcome of these inspections will be pivotal in determining whether Ghana will be ready to host its October international fixture, and whether the country’s football infrastructure can continue to support the aspirations of its national teams on the continental and global stage.
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