The National Sports Authority (NSA) has announced the closure of the Baba Yara Sports Stadium for a month to carry out essential maintenance, with the venue set to reopen in time for Ghana’s next home game on October 7, 2024.
The decision comes after the stadium’s playing surface received significant criticism during Ghana’s 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Angola, which took place on Thursday. Coaches and spectators alike voiced concerns about the pitch quality.
In response to the closure, the NSA will collaborate with Asante Kotoko to arrange an alternative location for their Ghana Premier League matches.
Asante Kotoko is scheduled to play their first match of the season at the Naa Sheriga Sports Stadium against Karela United. However, their second fixture will not be held at the Baba Yara Stadium due to the recent feedback.
Angola’s coach, Pedro Gonçalves, expressed dissatisfaction with the stadium’s pitch, stating, “We always tried to play football, but the pitch was difficult. A country like Ghana deserves a better stadium, a better pitch for football. They have such talented players.”
Although Ghana’s coach, Otto Addo, did not blame the pitch for Ghana’s loss—which ended their 24-year unbeaten streak at the stadium—he acknowledged its subpar condition. “I don’t want to blame the loss on the pitch, even though it wasn’t in good shape,” Addo said. “Against the Central African Republic, the pitch was also poor, but we managed to win. We simply have to do better.”
Majeed Bawa, Deputy Director General of the NSA, defended the stadium’s condition, arguing, “Are they suggesting that the Angolans were playing in the sky? They are all footballers. They played on the same pitch as our team. CAF inspected and approved the pitch for the game.”
Despite these defenses, the NSA has decided to shut down the stadium until October for necessary repairs and to address damage caused by upset fans following Thursday’s match.
