Vincent Ekow Assafuah Esq., Member of Parliament for Old Tafo and Ranking Member of Parliament’s Select Committee on Youth and Sports, has made a heartfelt appeal to the government for immediate intervention in the deteriorating state of the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
In an exclusive interview with Akoma FM, the lawmaker revealed that he recently raised the issue directly with the Minister for Youth and Sports, Hon. Kofi Adams, during a committee meeting. While he acknowledged the minister’s willingness to address the matter, Assafuah was sympathetic to the limitations faced by the ministry.
“I spoke to the Sports Minister this past weekend during our last meeting. I personally raised the matter with him and encouraged him to act on it as soon as possible,” he disclosed.
However, he was quick to point out the financial constraints hindering progress.
“I pity the Sports Minister because the government’s budget presented in Parliament has no allocation for capital expenditure, and even the provision for goods and services is woefully inadequate. In such circumstances, there’s very little Kofi Adams can do. This issue is bigger than the Minister for Sports,” Assafuah explained.
He emphasized the strategic and symbolic significance of the Baba Yara Stadium, not just for the city of Kumasi, but for the entire nation, especially as Asante Kotoko SC prepares to represent Ghana in continental competitions.
“That is why I am praying that the government, led by President John Mahama, will recognize the importance of Ghana’s image and integrity, and take swift action to renovate the Baba Yara Sports Stadium,” he stated. “The people of Kumasi, who are passionate about Asante Kotoko, deserve to watch their team play in Africa right here at home.”
The Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Ghana’s largest and most historic football venue, has come under mounting scrutiny in recent years due to its worsening condition. The growing chorus of calls for urgent rehabilitation has gained renewed momentum as the stadium remains unfit to host high-profile domestic and international matches.
Assafuah’s remarks have added to the pressure on the government to treat the stadium’s renovation as a national priority, calling for swift and comprehensive action to restore the facility to internationally acceptable standards.
