The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially withdrawn its approval for the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, Ghana, due to several technical infractions, including an unsuitable playing field.
The decision was based on observations made during the Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying match between Ghana and Angola, held at the stadium on September 5th, 2024.
CAF determined that the stadium did not meet the required standards for hosting Category 3 international matches, a move that puts future fixtures at the venue in jeopardy.
Key concerns raised by CAF officials included the poor condition of the playing field, which had deteriorated significantly over time.
Issues such as uneven surfaces, poor drainage, and inadequate grass cover were all highlighted in the assessment, making the stadium unsuitable for competitive matches.
The Baba Yara Sports Stadium, which has hosted prestigious events like World Cup qualifiers and AFCON matches in the past, was found lacking in the basic infrastructure needed for top-tier international games.
In an official statement, CAF emphasized the need for immediate upgrades to the stadium.
“It is important to note that, prior to the match, CAF had expressed concerns about the suitability of Baba Yara Sports Stadium for hosting top-tier international fixtures.
Persistent issues at this venue, as well as others in Ghana, such as Cape Coast Stadium and Accra Sports Stadium, have also been noted,” the letter from CAF stated.
With no other CAF-approved Category 3 stadiums available in Ghana, CAF urged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to select an alternative venue outside the country for future matches.
The GFA has responded to the announcement, promising to collaborate with the government to address the identified problems.
CAF, meanwhile, has offered its support by providing technical assistance, including an international pitch consultant to guide the necessary improvements.
The GFA will bear the cost of this consultation, and once renovations are complete, CAF will conduct a follow-up inspection to assess the stadium’s suitability.
The approval withdrawal means Ghana must now seek alternative venues for upcoming AFCON qualifiers, further complicating the nation’s preparations for the tournament.
