The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is considering relocating the Black Stars’ home matches to either Côte d’Ivoire or Togo following the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) withdrawal of approval for Kumasi’s Baba Yara Stadium.
This decision comes after CAF deemed the stadium unsuitable for international fixtures due to technical issues, including a deteriorated playing field with uneven surfaces and poor drainage.
CAF’s decision was influenced by observations made during Ghana’s recent 1-0 defeat to Angola in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The continental body had previously raised concerns about the stadium’s condition and highlighted that it did not meet the required standards for Category 3 international matches.
With no other CAF-approved Category 3 stadiums in Ghana, the GFA has been tasked with finding alternative venues.
The association is now evaluating options in neighboring Côte d’Ivoire and Togo, which have facilities that meet international standards.
CAF has recommended that the GFA undertake a thorough assessment of all major stadiums in Ghana and engage experienced companies to address the refurbishment needs of Baba Yara Stadium.
Additionally, CAF has offered support by providing an international pitch consultant to guide the necessary improvements, although the GFA will need to cover these costs.
The Baba Yara Stadium is currently closed for renovations, with the National Sports Authority working urgently to complete the upgrades in time for future matches.
The GFA’s decision on the new venue will be crucial for the Black Stars’ upcoming fixtures, including their Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Sudan.
Source: ghanasoccer.com
