Ghana’s Baba Yara Sports Stadium has been temporarily shut down for maintenance, with plans to reopen it in time for Ghana’s next international match on October 7, 2024.
The decision comes after the stadium’s poor condition drew criticism from coaches and fans alike following Ghana’s 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier opener against Angola.
The stadium hosted the match on Thursday, but the playing surface was panned by coaches and fans, with Angola’s coach, Pedro Gonçalves, expressing frustration with the pitch. Ghana’s coach, Otto Addo, acknowledged the pitch’s poor condition but refused to use it as an excuse for the team’s loss.
In response to the backlash, the National Sports Authority (NSA) has decided to work with Asante Kotoko to find an alternative venue for their upcoming Ghana Premier League matches.
The Porcupine Warriors’ second home game will not be held at the Baba Yara Stadium, and it is likely they will play their home games at the Dr Kwame Kyei Sports Complex in Abrankese.
The NSA has also defended the stadium’s condition, questioning critics who claimed it was not fit for play. Despite this, the stadium will undergo maintenance and repairs to address damage caused by angry fans after Thursday’s game.
