Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif has expressed disappointment in the National Sports Authority (NSA) for “neglecting their duties” by renting out the Baba Yara Stadium just weeks before Ghana’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
In July, the stadium was leased for a five-day ‘Kumuyi’ Church program, which left the pitch in poor condition.
The Black Stars went on to lose 1-0 to Angola in their opening qualifier at the venue, with the poor state of the pitch becoming a major issue.
As a result, CAF revoked the stadium’s licence to host international matches, raising the possibility that Ghana may have to play its next home match abroad.
“Of course, [the NSA failed in its duty] by its singular decision to rent the Kumasi Stadium for that program just before the Angola match,” Ussif said.
Renting out national stadiums has become the NSA’s main source of revenue, but this practice has proven to be counterproductive, as the facilities are often left in poor condition afterward.
Meanwhile, the Sports Ministry released a statement, ‘directing’ the National Sports Authority, to “take steps to resolve issues with the pitch” at the Baba Yara Stadium.