Asante Kotoko remain confident of hosting Legon Cities at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in their upcoming Ghana Premier League (GPL) fixture, despite reports suggesting the venue has been deemed unfit by the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) Club Licensing Board.
Baba Yara Stadium was reportedly among six venues declared unsuitable ahead of the league’s resumption from March 7 to 10, 2025. However, a source within Kotoko told Akoma Sports that the club has not received any official communication from the GFA regarding the stadium’s rejection.
"We are not aware of this news. We are preparing to host Legon Cities at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday, and that is where our focus is," the Kotoko source stated.
The Ashanti Regional Sports Authority also expressed surprise at the reports.
“They (the GFA) visited the stadium last Tuesday before the Super Zonals. The only concern they raised was about the mixed zone, which falls under the national level, not the National Sports Authority (NSA) in Kumasi. But we have not been informed that the stadium has been rejected—this is news to me," a source at the NSA in Kumasi told Akoma Sports.
Elsewhere, Hearts of Oak, Legon Cities, and Accra Lions have also been affected, as the University of Ghana Stadium has failed to meet club licensing standards.
The uncertainty comes as the GFA implements its Enhanced Matchday Safety and Security Protocols 2025, developed in consultation with clubs, security agencies, and supporter groups. These stricter regulations follow the tragic stabbing of Asante Kotoko supporter Nana Pooley in Nsoatre earlier this month.
With the Premier League set to resume this week, affected clubs must quickly address compliance issues to avoid disruptions. The GFA has emphasized that safety will not be compromised and has warned of strict penalties for noncompliance.
