The Ministry of Youth and Sports has ‘instructed’ the Ghana Football Association to seek CAF’s approval for the Accra and University of Ghana Sports Stadiums to host the Black Stars’ next home match in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The Baba Yara Sports Stadium, which hosted Ghana’s last game against Angola, has been banned by CAF due to an “unsuitable playing field.”
This decision leaves Ghana with limited options, and potentially hosting their next game against Sudan in October in Togo, Nigeria, or Ivory Coast.
However, the Sports Ministry is recommending the Accra and UG facilities, stating that “most issues have been resolved” and asking the GFA to contact CAF for inspection and possible approval.
The statement reads: “The Minister has further instructed the Ghana Football Association to immediately request CAF to inspect the Accra Sports Stadium and the newly-built University of Ghana stadium, for approval as Category 3 match venues, for use by the Black Stars in its next international match in October.
“Most issues identified by CAF at the Accra Sports Stadium during a previous inspection has been resolved; while the University of Ghana Stadium has already hosted CAF Category 2 matches, but the stadium, since inauguration, is yet to be inspected by CAF’s independent inspectors for consideration as a suitable category 3 match venue, in accordance with CAF’s Stadium Regulations.”
The Legon Sports Stadium hosted matches during this year’s 13th African Games in March and the WAFU Zone B U-17 tournament in May.
The Accra Sports Stadium serves as a venue for most Accra-based Ghana Premier League clubs and others participating in CAF Inter-club competitions – FC Samartex and Nsoatreman FC.
Meanwhile, the Ministry has ‘directed’ the National Sports Authority, which oversees facility maintenance, to “take steps to resolve issues with the pitch” at the Baba Yara Stadium.
The poor condition of the Baba Yara Stadium’s turf is due to hosting a five-day ‘Kumuyi’ Church program in July.
Renting out national stadiums has become the NSA’s primary source of income, but the practice has proven counterproductive, as the facilities are often left in a deplorable state.
Over the years, the Cape Coast Stadium, Accra Sports Stadium, and Baba Yara Stadium have all failed to meet “required standards” due to being rented out for social events.