The Deputy Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Gideon Hammond, has assured Ghanaians of ongoing efforts to restore the Baba Yara Sports Stadium to acceptable standards following fresh concerns about the poor state of the pitch.
This comes after a recent video on social media showed the deteriorated nature of the facility, prompting public backlash just as Asante Kotoko and Bibiani Gold Stars prepare for their respective continental campaigns.
In a social media post, Mr. Hammond acknowledged the concerns, noting that, “Many football lovers and generally the Ghanaian populace have expressed concern about the poor state of the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.” He emphasized that his administration, which took over less than six months ago, inherited years of neglect.
“You will agree that this level of devastation did not happen in the last 9 months or even the 6 months we took over,” he explained, attributing the current situation to long-term neglect by previous authorities.
Responding to criticisms about using the fire service to water the pitch, he clarified that the move was strategic. “The fire service is providing the large water that our sprinklers cannot provide,” he said, adding that the next step involves applying fertilizer to rejuvenate the grass.
“Relax, we will bring back Baba Yara to life. We will RESET and manage Baba Yara to the admiration of all,” he assured.
The NSA oversees the management and maintenance of Ghana’s major sporting facilities, including the Baba Yara, Accra Sports, Cape Coast, and Tamale stadia.
