Baba Yara Stadium Under Review as Sports Minister Begins Facility Audit

As part of his nationwide tour to assess the condition of major sports infrastructure across the country, the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, on Wednesday paid a working visit to the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.

Accompanied by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah, the Minister was received by the Acting Regional Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA) and other technical officers from the facility.

The visit commenced with a closed-door briefing, during which the Minister was briefed on the current condition of the stadium, highlighting pressing infrastructural challenges and the urgent renovation works required to restore the venue to full operational capacity in line with CAF and international licensing standards.

A detailed inspection followed, covering key operational zones such as:

• The natural grass pitch

• Dressing rooms and washrooms

• Stands and spectator zones

• The public address system

• Floodlights and other technical installations

Despite undergoing renovations in 2022 ahead of international fixtures, the facility is again in dire need of upgrades. Key concerns raised included a deteriorated playing surface, a malfunctioning public address system, worn-out dressing areas, and broken seating— all critical elements for securing CAF approval for upcoming continental club competitions.

Commitment to Local Football and Infrastructure

Minister Adams stressed the importance of ensuring the stadium is fit to host home matches for Asante Kotoko and Bibiani Gold Stars, who are preparing for their respective CAF Inter-Club campaigns.

“Baba Yara Stadium is not just a sports venue—it’s a national asset and a spiritual home of Ghanaian football,” he remarked. “We are committed to restoring it to international standards, not only for club competition but to rejuvenate the spirit of domestic football in Kumasi and beyond.”

The Minister affirmed his Ministry’s intention to collaborate closely with the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council and key stakeholders, assuring that immediate maintenance works would begin while long-term rehabilitation strategies are developed.

Funding, Partnerships, and the Road Ahead

Acknowledging the financial constraints within the sports sector, Minister Adams revealed that the Ministry is actively pursuing alternative funding mechanisms, including public-private partnerships (PPP) and corporate sponsorships, to support infrastructure renewal across the country.

He also hinted at ongoing stakeholder engagements aimed at mobilising corporate support to sustain stadium maintenance and ensure compliance with evolving continental standards.

The Baba Yara Sports Stadium continues to serve as a proud emblem of Ghana’s sporting heritage. The Minister’s visit is a testament to the government’s resolve to preserve national sporting assets and leverage sport as a driver of national unity, economic opportunity, and youth development.