The National Sports Authority (NSA) Board Chairman, Seth Panwum, has confirmed that the NSA officer responsible for renting out the Baba Yara Stadium for a Christian event prior to Ghana’s 2025 AFCON qualifier against Angola is currently undergoing internal disciplinary action.
Panwum made the statement during a Parliamentary Select Committee hearing on Sports, Culture, and Tourism, which addressed issues surrounding the ban placed on the stadium by CAF. The ban was imposed due to the stadium’s substandard amenities, particularly the poor state of the pitch.
Both Angola’s head coach, Pedro Goncalves, and Black Stars coach, Otto Addo, expressed concerns over the quality of the pitch after Ghana’s 1-0 loss to Angola. The condition of the pitch deteriorated after the stadium was rented out for a Christian program ahead of the crucial match. The pitch was not adequately restored before the game, resulting in a subpar playing surface.
Seth Panwum emphasized, “The officer who rented out the facility and failed to restore the pitch is facing internal disciplinary measures.”
This revelation came after the NSA’s appearance before the committee, following an earlier session with the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, who disclosed that Ghana spent $3 million at the 2023 AFCON despite their early exit.
