A Call to Action As Ghana’s Sports Infrastructures Are in Shambles

Ghana is currently facing a challenge with its stadiums, as none of them meet the standards to host international matches. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) recently withdrew its approval for the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi due to technical issues, including a poor playing field. This decision was made after a recent Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying match between Ghana and Angola, where CAF observed the stadium's conditions. 

The Baba Yara Stadium, which has a seating capacity of over 40,000, has hosted several high-profile matches in the past, including World Cup qualifiers and AFCON matches. However, its playing field has deteriorated significantly, with uneven surfaces, poor drainage, and inadequate grass cover. CAF officials expressed dissatisfaction with the state of the stadium, citing the need for Ghanaian authorities to invest in upgrading the facility to meet international standards. 

CAF has requested the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to select an alternative venue from among those approved by CAF outside Ghana for upcoming matches. The GFA has promised to work with the government to address the issues and restore the stadium to its former status. In the meantime, Ghana may have to play their home games in a different country, which could be a disadvantage for the team. A list of five stadiums which are, The Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Nigeria, The Felix Houphouët Boigny Stadium in Ivory Coast, The Stade Municipal de Berkane in Morocco, The Stade du 26 Mars in Mali and The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in South Africa are possible stadiums where Ghana would be playing their next home matches. 

The situation highlights the challenges that football associations face in ensuring that their stadiums meet international standards. CAF has offered to support Ghana in bringing its stadiums up to the required standards, including providing an international pitch consultant to offer expert guidance. However, the cost of this support would be borne by the GFA. 

Ghana's football fans are disappointed with the situation, as they will not be able to watch their team play international matches at home. The country's reputation as a football nation is also at stake, as the lack of a suitable stadium may affect its ability to host international matches in the future. 

The Ghanaian government has been criticized for not investing enough in the country's sports infrastructure. The situation with the Baba Yara Stadium is a wake-up call for the government to prioritize sports development and invest in modernizing the country's stadiums. 

In addition to the Baba Yara Stadium, other stadiums in Ghana, such as the Accra Sports Stadium and the Cape Coast Stadium, have also fallen into disrepair. This highlights a broader issue with sports infrastructure in Ghana, which needs to be addressed urgently. 

Overall, Ghana's stadium crisis is a complex issue that requires a collective effort to resolve.  The government, the GFA, and other stakeholders must work together to upgrade the country's stadiums and ensure that they meet international standards.