Former Sekondi Hasaacas Chief Executive, Samuel Paa Kwesi Arbuah, has strongly criticized the Government of Ghana and the National Sports Authority (NSA) following the closure of the Baba Yara Stadium by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Arbuah mocked the NSA, sarcastically suggesting they could now organize "all-night services every day" due to the stadium's unavailability for international matches.
CAF's decision to ban the venue from hosting international games came after a series of technical violations during Ghana's Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Angola on September 5, 2024. The ruling has led to widespread backlash from football fans and accusations of government mismanagement of state assets.
Expressing his frustration, Arbuah slammed both the government and the NSA for failing to maintain the iconic stadium, which has now fallen into disrepair. "It’s shameful and disgraceful that in 2024, Ghana lacks a standard stadium to host international matches. We pride ourselves on building several AstroTurf pitches, but today, look at us. This is what we wanted, and we've gotten it," he told GHANAsoccernet.com.
Arbuah further criticized the government's focus on AstroTurf developments, stating, "The government claims to have funded several Astro turfs in Ghana, and we can't get just one fit enough to host international matches? Countries are leaving us behind, and we keep playing chess with our infrastructure deficit."
"The NSA can now go ahead and organise all-night services every day. We don't care. In fact, they (NSA and government) can 'chew' the facility for all we care," he fumed.
He expressed outrage over the historic development, as Ghana, renowned for its football legacy, will now have to play international matches abroad due to the closure. "For the first time in our history, Ghana will be playing an international match in another country. This is total madness, unwarranted, uncalled for, and disgraceful. We just have not been angry enough as Ghanaians."
CAF's decision was primarily based on the poor condition of the Baba Yara Stadium's pitch, which failed to meet the governing body's Category 3 standards. The playing surface was found to have uneven patches, poor drainage, and inadequate grass cover, making it unfit for international fixtures. CAF also cited past concerns about the state of other major stadiums in Ghana, including the Cape Coast Stadium and Accra Sports Stadium.
With the ban in place, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) is now searching for alternative venues to host their upcoming AFCON qualifiers. Potential options include La Côte d'Ivoire, Togo, and the recently reconstructed TnA Stadium in Tarkwa.
CAF has urged the Ghanaian authorities to urgently assess and renovate their major stadiums to comply with international standards. To aid this process, CAF has offered to provide a pitch consultant, experienced in AFCON tournaments, to guide renovations at the GFA's expense. Once the renovations are complete, CAF will conduct an independent inspection to reassess the stadium's suitability for future matches.
The GFA has acknowledged the situation and pledged to work with the government to restore the Baba Yara Stadium to its former standard. However, for now, Ghana must face the reality of hosting its international games outside its borders.
