Ministry of Youth and Sports (MOYS) has directed the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to urgently request the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to inspect two major stadiums in Accra for possible approval as alternative venues for upcoming international matches.
This comes in response to CAF’s decision to revoke the Category 3 status of the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, following concerns over the poor state of its playing surface.
In a statement released on September 12, 2024, the Ministry emphasised the need for CAF to inspect the Accra Sports Stadium and the newly constructed University of Ghana Stadium.
These venues are being considered for approval as Category 3 match sites, which would allow them to host the Black Stars’ next international fixture scheduled for October.
CAF’s withdrawal of approval for the Baba Yara Stadium came after a post-inspection, which highlighted issues such as poor drainage, uneven surfaces, and insufficient grass cover on the pitch.
These problems were flagged during the September 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifier between Ghana and Angola, rendering the stadium unsuitable for international competition.
In light of this development, the Ministry has tasked the National Sports Authority (NSA) with addressing the pitch issues at the Baba Yara Stadium. In the meantime, the focus has shifted to ensuring that alternative venues in Accra are brought up to CAF standards.
The Accra Sports Stadium, which has undergone significant improvements since its last inspection, has resolved most of the issues previously identified by CAF. Meanwhile, the University of Ghana Stadium, which has successfully hosted CAF Category 2 matches, is awaiting assessment for Category 3 certification.
The Ministry expressed optimism that both stadiums would meet the necessary requirements after CAF’s inspection and reaffirmed its commitment to upgrading sports infrastructure across the country.
Additionally, it noted that refurbishment efforts are ongoing at other national facilities, including the Cape Coast Stadium, as part of a wider initiative to elevate Ghana’s sports venues to international standards.
CAF has urged Ghanaian authorities to carry out comprehensive renovations at all major stadiums to comply with the technical specifications required for hosting international tournaments.
Ghana now faces the pressing challenge of securing CAF’s approval for suitable home venues in order to avoid playing upcoming AFCON qualifiers and other key international matches outside the country.