Accra, Cape Coast Stadiums Closed For Upgrades

The National Sports Authority (NSA) has closed the Accra Sports Stadium and Cape Coast Sports Stadium for maintenance, aiming to upgrade the facilities ahead of upcoming international matches.

This decision is part of a broader effort to ensure that the stadia meet international standards.

This move follows a recent directive from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which barred the use of the Baba Yara Sports Stadium for CAF/FIFA senior international matches due to the poor condition of its pitch.

CAF recommended a complete overhaul of the playing surface at Baba Yara. In the interim, the NSA is taking temporary measures to prepare the stadium for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifier against Sudan, scheduled for October.

In light of the Baba Yara situation, the Ministry of Youth and Sports has instructed the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to request CAF’s inspection of the Accra Sports Stadium and the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon to assess their suitability for hosting the upcoming match. Although the Accra stadium is listed in CAF’s database, it requires significant upgrades. The Legon stadium, on the other hand, is not yet deemed ready for approval.

On September 6, 2024, the GFA discussed with the Sports Ministry and NSA the urgent need to address issues at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium following the Black Stars’ recent defeat to the Palancas Negras at Baba Yara Stadium. Currently, Ghana is considering hosting the match against Sudan in Cape Coast, though if none of the local venues meet the required standards, the GFA is prepared to explore the option of holding the game in Togo.