Asante Kotoko remain confident of playing their upcoming Ghana Premier League (GPL) fixture against Legon Cities at the Baba Yara Stadium, despite reports suggesting the venue has been deemed unfit by the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) Club Licensing Board.
Baba Yara Stadium was reportedly among six venues declared unsuitable ahead of the league’s resumption from March 7 to 10, 2025. However, a source within Kotoko told Akoma Sports that the club has not received any official communication regarding the stadium’s rejection.
“We are not aware of this news. We are preparing to host Legon Cities at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday, and that is where our focus is,” the Kotoko source said.
The Ashanti Regional Sports Authority also expressed surprise at the reports.
“They (the GFA) visited the stadium last Tuesday before the Super Zonals. The only concern they raised was about the mixed zone, which falls under the national level, not the National Sports Authority (NSA) in Kumasi. But we have not been informed that the stadium has been rejected—this is news to me,” a source at the NSA in Kumasi told Akoma Sports.
The licensing concerns have also affected Hearts of Oak, Legon Cities, and Accra Lions, as the University of Ghana Stadium has reportedly failed to meet the required standards.
This uncertainty follows the GFA’s introduction of the Enhanced Matchday Safety and Security Protocols 2025, developed after consultations with clubs, security agencies, and supporter groups. The stricter regulations come in response to the tragic stabbing of Asante Kotoko supporter Nana Pooley in Nsoatre earlier this month.
With the Premier League set to resume this week, affected teams must quickly resolve compliance issues to avoid disruptions. The GFA has emphasized that safety will not be compromised, warning that strict penalties will be enforced for noncompliance.
