Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, has issued a passionate call for urgent and sustained efforts to fully restore the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi to its rightful status as a premier national sports and cultural venue.
In an interview on Oyerepa FM in Kumasi, Mr. Ampofo Ankrah underscored the stadium’s historic and symbolic significance, describing it as far more than a mere sporting arena.
“The Baba Yara Stadium is not just an ordinary stadium. Historically, it belongs to all, Asante Kotoko, the Black Stars, cultural and traditional events. The list is long,” he said. “So if you’re going to do something there, it has to look good. It has to show that this is Baba Yara Stadium.”
He revealed that although detailed refurbishment plans are already in place, recent focus on preparing venues in Accra for international events, including World Cup qualifiers, has delayed works in Kumasi. However, with that phase complete, attention must now shift to Baba Yara, which he insists deserves nothing less than top-tier treatment.
“Because of World Cup matches and critical work in Accra, we had to focus our attention there first. But now, it’s time to shift focus and give Baba Yara the attention it truly deserves.”
Ampofo Ankrah emphasized that Green Grass Technology, the firm contracted to upgrade the playing surface, has outlined a timeframe of six weeks to three months to complete the turf works, provided the right support is delivered promptly.
“We need to act fast so the job can be done even quicker, possibly under six weeks. But that means providing full financial and logistical support: funding, fertilizers, water, fixing broken sprinklers, and making sure the groundsmen are working round the clock.”
The NSA chief stressed that the state of the stadium has far-reaching implications, not just for domestic and international competitions, but also for restoring public confidence and attracting sponsorship.
“This is about football in Ghana and making sure we never go back to the poor state we previously saw. We must raise the pitch standard permanently.”
He also disclosed that prior consultations with the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) led to a recommendation to use the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon as an alternative venue. However, the decision was made to retain Kumasi as the preferred host city.
“Even if we start today, meeting the deadline will be tight. I’m not saying it’s impossible, but clubs and organizers must be realistic and possibly prepare alternatives in the short term.”
Mr. Ampofo Ankrah concluded with a strong message about long-term planning, urging that the focus should no longer be on piecemeal repairs, but a one-time, comprehensive overhaul.
“We need to do this once and for all. When funds become available, we are committed to seeing this through to the end of the year, and not abandoning the work midway.”
Although no official date has been confirmed for Asante Kotoko’s return to the stadium, the NSA is working towards making the facility ready between September 20 and 27. The Director General remains cautiously optimistic that this deadline can be met, provided work begins immediately.
