The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Mr. Kofi Iddie Adams, on Wednesday, July 9, paid a working visit to the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi as part of a nationwide tour to assess the state of Ghana’s major sports facilities and identify both immediate and long-term renovation needs.

Welcomed by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, and officials from the National Sports Authority (NSA) led by the Acting Regional Director, Mr. Adams conducted a thorough inspection of the stadium’s infrastructure.

The visit comes at a critical moment, as Ghanaian football clubs Asante Kotoko and Bibiani Gold Stars gear up for participation in upcoming CAF Inter-Club competitions. Though the Baba Yara Stadium underwent a major facelift in 2022, the venue has since deteriorated due to lack of maintenance and critical infrastructural issues.

Key problems highlighted by the NSA during the tour included a malfunctioning irrigation system leading to poor pitch conditions, non-operational floodlights, faulty public address systems, damaged dressing rooms, outdated spectator seating, and a backlog of unpaid utility bills. Additionally, the stadium’s scoreboard has been relocated and the reserve team benches are in urgent need of replacement.

These deficiencies have hindered the stadium’s ability to host major local and international fixtures, sparking renewed concerns over its readiness for high-level matches.

Mr. Adams stressed the pivotal role of Kumasi in Ghana’s football heritage, describing Baba Yara Stadium as the “Mecca of Ghana football.” He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring the facility to international standards, saying the football-loving people of the Ashanti Region deserve a modern, world-class stadium.

To reduce the financial burden on sports infrastructure, the Minister revealed ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Energy to review utility tariffs for sports venues. He also shared plans to promote sustainable sports development, including the installation of solar-powered lighting and borehole-supported natural grass pitches.

Finally, Mr. Adams assured the Ashanti Regional Minister of full collaboration to fast-track essential upgrades and ensure the stadium is ready to host CAF matches in the coming months.

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has expressed strong confidence in the Black Stars’ ambition to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The four-time African champions boosted their chances of making it to the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with consecutive victories in March.

Wins against Chad and Madagascar propelled Ghana to the top of Group I, currently holding 15 points with four matches remaining in the qualification campaign.

Speaking to 3Sports, the Arsenal midfielder shared his optimism about Ghana making their fifth appearance at the World Cup.

“As players, we are determined to be at the World Cup again. We experienced how amazing it was last time, and we want to be there once more. Hopefully, we win the remaining matches and secure our spot,” said the 31-year-old.

The Black Stars are set to reconvene in September for Matchday 7 and 8 fixtures against Chad and Mali.