Ghana’s lack of a standardized stadium has been a topical issue for a while now, as some top personalities have weighed in on the matter.
Ghana currently does not have an international standard stadium and therefore is at risk of playing their Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers home games at a neutral venue.
This is due to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) withdrawing its approval of Baba Yara Sports Stadium to host Ghana’s remaining home games after Angola complained about the state of the venue during their 1-0 win over the Black Stars in September.
CAF’s reaction triggered rage from many Ghanaians, including journalists and higher-ranking individuals who have criticized the government.
Here are top personalities who weighed in on the criticisms:
The former Black Stars captain stated in a post on X that it would be an embarrassment to the nation for the national team to play home games at a neutral venue.
“Playing a qualifier outside Ghana, except in a tournament, is a national embarrassment. We must prioritize hosting our own games and protect our football pride,” he wrote.
John Mahama
The former president and the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) opined that CAF’s decision to ban the Baba Yara Sports Stadium is a disgrace.
During a campaign rally, Mahama criticized the Akufo-Addo administration, stating that it has failed the nation and should not be re-elected in the upcoming 2024 general elections.
“Recently, FIFA said the national team cannot play matches in Ghana. This is a huge embarrassment for us. It is the first time in Ghana’s history that we have been told there is no suitable stadium to host Black Stars games. Despite this, they expect us to applaud them for their performance,” he said in Twi, as reported by GhOne TV on X.
Bright Kankam Boadu
Ace sports broadcaster, Bright Kankam Boadu slammed the sports minister Mustapha Ussif, naming him as Ghana’s worst sports minister in history.
“That man shouldn’t be our sports minister. We have not had the worst, but this is the worst. And this is the one who has kept his position regardless of how bad he has been, which means that the president likes what he is doing,” he said.
Randy Abbey
The Ghanaian football administrator could not fathom how a country with high status as Ghana does not have a standardised stadium.
“How is it that the Republic of Ghana, from the Gold Coast to now, has no venue to play qualifiers, not even for a tournament or finals? We don’t have a single one, and we will have to play matches outside the country. Even Samartex and Nsoatreman, if they qualify for the next stage of the CAF competitions, will have to play their matches elsewhere,” he said during Good Morning Ghana on Metro TV.
Saddick Adams
Meanwhile, renowned sports journalist Saddick Adams directed his criticisms at Ghanaian football officials, stating that the ban was orchestrated by certain football officials in Ghana to serve their personal interests and profit at the country’s expense.
Adams expressed his frustration over the NSA’s decision to host an event with over 40,000 participants at the Baba Yara Stadium just days before the Black Stars’ game against Angola in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
“It [CAF’s withdrawal of Baba Yara Stadium] has been orchestrated by some people to get us out of the country so they can benefit. We deliberately allowed an event with more than 40,000 people in the stadium 17 days before the Ghana vs. Angola match,” an X post by Starr FM quoted him.
Following the backlash, the government has taken action to make the best out of the shameful situation.
Actions taken by the government:
Baba Yara Sports Stadium closed
The National Sports Authority (NSA) closed down the Baba Yara Sports Stadium a day after Ghana’s game against Angola.
According to the NSA, the venue will not host any events for a month as it undergoes maintenance.
The NSA has indicated that the venue will officially reopen on October 7 for Ghana’s next home game in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Cape Coast and Accra Sports Stadium closed
The NSA, on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, announced the closure of the Accra and Cape Coast stadia for rehabilitation.
The closure aims to facilitate renovation works to ensure the facilities and pitches meet international standards for hosting foreign football matches.
NSA Director General sacked
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has dismissed Dodzie Numekevor, the Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), according to Asaase Radio.
The report indicates that this decision was made following public backlash over the poor condition of various stadia in Ghana, which has sparked controversy.
Numekevor was appointed as the interim Director General of the NSA on February 26, 2024, following the dismissal of Prof. Peter Twumasi, who served in the role for six years and was sacked due to issues related to stadium maintenance in Ghana.
EE/BB