The National Sports Authority (NSA) has confirmed that the Baba Yara Sports Stadium is 70% ready to host Ghana’s match against Sudan on matchday 3 of the 2025 AFCON Qualifiers in October.
This was revealed during the NSA’s appearance before the Parliamentary Select Committee for Youth, Sports, and Culture on Wednesday, September 25.
The committee is investigating Ghana’s recent sports decline, and the NSA used the opportunity to address several concerns, including the revenue generated from renting out the stadium for church events.
The public has criticised the practice, but the NSA has defended it as a way to generate revenue.
The NSA’s Board Chairman, Seth Panwum, explained that the stadium’s pitch is undergoing major renovations and will likely be completed by the next match.
He acknowledged that the work is progressing quickly, but emphasised that the final assessment will be made by CAF (Confederation of African Football) officials.
Panwum also highlighted the need for additional funding to support the maintenance and upkeep of the stadium.
He disclosed that discussions are underway with the Minister of Finance to secure emergency funding to protect the pitch and ensure its readiness for future matches.
Panwum said, “CAF said we should do a major work on the pitch which we have admitted and we are doing. Even as of now, if they even come back, per the speed rate of the work that we have done, they can pass us to even use it for the next game.
“But per their rules, we need to give them the briefing so that subsequently we can write to them again to come and relook at the pitch and assess it and give us the green light. I must say it’s very unfortunate that we have gotten here.”
He added, “It is no news when we go to other countries, even Wembley is given out for concerts, but they ensure that they protect the Pitch with pitch cowage. So, as a country, I’ve discussed with our Minister of Finance, through our Sector Minister, to see how urgently they can help, because we are also mandated to generate revenue, and our gate proceeds are insufficient to mandate us to fulfil that requirement.”
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