By: Kwame Bediako
Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA) Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, has urgently called for increased funding and strategic support to improve the conditions of Ghana’s stadiums, following public criticism of the deteriorating state of the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
The stadium’s pitch has recently come under scrutiny as maintenance works continue, highlighting the pressing need for better resources and infrastructure upgrades.
Speaking on the challenges facing Baba Yara Sports Stadium in an interview with GTVSports+, Ankrah emphasized the need for substantial investment.
“We’re fixing it, but we need funding. The scoreboard and floodlights must be brought up to international standard, the dressing rooms must be looked at again, and sanitation, drainage, security zones, and a lot of things must be put in place”; he stated.
He further stressed the urgency behind the renovations, acknowledging the tight timelines they face in carrying out these upgrades.
“We need time, but we don’t have the luxury of time, but I believe that if we have the right time, the right resources, and support, we can transform not just Baba Yara but Accra, Cape Coast, Tamale, and Esipong. It’s a process,” he said.
The call by the NSA director comes amid increasing concerns from fans, athletes, and sports stakeholders who demand that Ghana’s sporting infrastructure match international expectations and provide safe, high-quality venues for national and international events.
The deteriorating state of Baba Yara Sports Stadium, a hub for football in the country, has catalyzed this broader conversation around the need for sustained investment in sports infrastructure.
In response to these challenges, the NSA is seeking collaborative efforts from government bodies, private sector partners and sports organizations to facilitate the transformative upgrades.
