Audio By Carbonatix
CAF Media Officer Ibrahim Saanie Daara has described Ghana’s playing surfaces as “weeds” in reaction to the ongoing stadium crisis in the country.
The Baba Yara Sports Stadium, which hosted Ghana's recent game against Angola, has been banned by CAF due to an "unsuitable playing field."
This decision leaves Ghana with few options, potentially forcing them to host their next game against Sudan in October in Togo, Nigeria, or Ivory Coast.
"I am sorry to say that we've relied on local companies to deliver on what we call pitches but to be honest, a lot of what I have seen having officiated matches in Ghana compared to others, I would say what we have in Ghana are just weeds instead of pitches," Saanie told JoyNews.
"I find it baffling that in a country where we have most of the top class international inspectors, I don't know why we cannot count on the expertise of these people to give us the right advice.
"CAF is now being stringent on countries that don't have stadium suitable to host international matches. Those days when any wishy-washy pitch could pass is long gone. There are more than 15 countries now playing away from their home."
Meanwhile, the Ministry has instructed the National Sports Authority (NSA), responsible for facility upkeep, to address issues with the pitch at Baba Yara Stadium.
The deterioration of the turf resulted from a five-day 'Kumuyi' Church event held in July.
The NSA has relied heavily on renting national stadiums as a primary revenue stream, but this strategy has backfired, often leaving the facilities in poor condition.
Over the years, Cape Coast Stadium, Accra Sports Stadium, and Baba Yara Stadium have constantly fallen short of "required standards" due to being used for social events.
Latest Stories
-
Trade Minister applauds GUTA as a pillar of economic growth; Prez Mahama honoured
54 minutes -
President’s brother’s takeover of Damang Mines is ‘untidy’ – Alhassan Tampuli
1 hour -
It’s not true that gov’t decided not to renew the lease for Gold Fields – Bobby Banson
1 hour -
Ghana to boost tomato production with 60-hectare irrigated farms and processing initiatives
1 hour -
E&P’s takeover process of Damang Mines was very clean – Inusah Fuseini
1 hour -
Damang takeover: There is not going to be any job loss; it is a lease change – Bobby Banson
2 hours -
Gold Fields didn’t stop mining at Damang mines; such claims are untrue – Bobby Banson
2 hours -
Engineers and Planners currently operate only in Ghana – Bright Simons
2 hours -
Lands Minister has no legal basis to restrict lease to Ghanaian firms – Bright Simons
2 hours -
Gov’t’s refusal to renew Gold Fields’ lease was simply untenable – Bright Simons
2 hours -
SOS Children’s Villages Ghana deepens partnership with Gender Ministry
3 hours -
Gender Ministry celebrates Christina Koch, reaffirms commitment to empowering girls
3 hours -
Live stream: Newsfile digs into E&P’s takeover of Damang Mines, OSP powers and Anti-LGBTQ Bill
3 hours -
Moody’s maintains Ghana’s rating at Caa1, revises outlook to positive
4 hours -
Zambia elevates tourism education to national priority as President Hichilema backs continental summit
4 hours