Audio By Carbonatix
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.
Latest Stories
-
Real Madrid beaten at home by Getafe for second successive loss
16 minutes -
‘Clubs refused to look at me after my crash’ – Antonio on Qatar move
27 minutes -
Mayweather to fight kickboxer before Pacquiao rematch
37 minutes -
India and Canada reset ties with ‘landmark’ nuclear energy deal
46 minutes -
Mahama should equally credit NPP for economic stability – Economist
49 minutes -
Interior Ministry releases funds to settle 2025 rent allowance arrears for security services
2 hours -
Ghana evacuates diplomatic staff from Iran; embassy shut indefinitely — Ablakwa
2 hours -
France to boost nuclear arsenal and extend deterrence to European allies
2 hours -
Chinese community in Ghana marks ‘Year of the Horse’ with grand new year festival
2 hours -
When regional instability becomes national risk: Ghanaian tomato traders killings
2 hours -
Photos: President Mahama meets Tanzania President Suluhu Hassan
2 hours -
Mahama calls for cessation of Iran-US-Israel conflict, urging return to dialogue
3 hours -
Fuel prices could rise if Middle East conflict escalates – ACEP Boss
3 hours -
Elsie Addo Awadzi: Leadership reflections, one year on; 7 lessons from 7 years in public office
3 hours -
Finance Minister announces expiration of DDEP-induced restrictions on domestic bond issuance
3 hours
