The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Mr Kofi Iddie Adams, visited the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on Wednesday, July 9, to assess its current state and explore immediate and long-term renovation needs.

The visit formed part of Mr Adam's nationwide facility inspection tour.

He was received by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, and officials of the National Sports Authority (NSA) led by the Acting Regional Director.

The inspection comes at a crucial time as two Ghanaian clubs, Asante Kotoko and Bibiani Gold Stars, prepare to represent Ghana in the CAF Inter-Club competitions. 

The stadium, once one of Ghana’s most prominent sporting venues, has undergone several renovations over the years, with the most recent major upgrade occurring in 2022.

However, it has since suffered wear and tear, necessitating critical infrastructural attention to meet CAF licensing requirements and restore its full functionality.

During the visit, the NSA team walked the Minister through the various challenges facing the stadium, including the deteriorating pitch condition due to a failed irrigation system, non-functional floodlights, broken public address systems, damaged dressing room facilities, outdated seating arrangements, and significant utility bills that remain largely unpaid.

The scoreboard has also been relocated and the reserve benches require urgent replacement. These issues have contributed to the stadium's inability to consistently host major local and international matches.

The Minister therefore, emphasized the importance of Kumasi in Ghana’s football culture and reiterated government’s commitment to restoring the Baba Yara Sports Stadium to its rightful status as the Mecca of Ghana football. 

He acknowledged the passion and support of the Ashanti Region’s football-loving public and highlighted that their unwavering love for the sport deserves a world-class facility.

He further announced that his Ministry is engaging stakeholders, including the Energy Ministry, to review utility billing structures for sports facilities and explore ways to reduce operational costs. 

He added that plans are also underway to pursue green sports investment opportunities, including natural grass pitches supported by borehole systems and solar-powered lighting.

The Minister also assured the Ashanti Regional Minister of close collaboration in implementing the necessary interventions to ensure the stadium is match-ready ahead of the CAF competitions.