The National Sports Authority (NSA) Ashanti Region has addressed public backlash over its decision to rent out the Baba Yara Sports Stadium for a church event, which has reportedly caused damage to the pitch.
Currently, the Baba Yara Sports Stadium is Ghana’s only CAF-approved venue for international competitions.
The NSA’s choice to rent the stadium for a five-day church event has sparked outrage, as images circulating on social media show the pitch being exposed to potential damage by the event’s participants.
Concerned sports fans have called on authorities to protect the pitch to ensure that Ghana’s license from CAF is not revoked, especially with two international games coming up next month.
In response, the NSA Ashanti Region assured fans that the pitch would be restored in time for future matches.
“We have a robust plan, a crack field, and a maintenance team to recover the pitch and restore the facility in general in record time throughout August. Stakeholders can rest assured,” the NSA Ashanti Region stated in a post. This issue has drawn attention to the need for better sports facilities in Ghana.
Recently, Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey appealed to Vice President Dr. Bawumia for an improved playing field during the Black Stars’ 2026 World Cup qualifier against the Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
“We want to say thank you for coming, we really appreciate it. I have one request from all the players: we are asking for a good stadium because we want to play better football, so we need a better stadium and also for us to perform better. It’s the only time we can see you for now, so I need to say it,” Partey said.
The Black Stars are set to face Angola in an upcoming African qualifier next month, while Ghanaian clubs Samartex and Nsoatreman are scheduled to compete in CAF Inter-club competitions.
