MOYS directs GFA to Seek Approval for University of Ghana Stadium and Accra Sports Stadium
The Ministry of Youth and Sports (MOYS) has instructed the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to request the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to inspect the University of Ghana Stadium and the Accra Sports Stadium for approval to host Ghana’s next international assignment.
This request comes after CAF withdrew its approval for the Baba Yara Stadium to host Category 3 matches, citing concerns about the state of the facility.
The withdrawal of CAF’s approval has prompted Ghana to find alternative venues within the country, as failure to meet CAF’s standards would force the Black Stars to play their international matches outside Ghana. To avoid this scenario, the Ministry has swiftly directed the GFA to seek inspection and approval of the two major stadiums in Accra.
The directive follows a communique from CAF expressing its concerns over the suitability of the Baba Yara Stadium. CAF specifically highlighted issues related to the stadium’s poor pitch, which the Ministry has acknowledged.
In response, the Ministry has taken immediate action by closing the Baba Yara Stadium for refurbishment after the upcoming 2025 AFCON qualifier against Angola.
The Ministry, in collaboration with the National Sports Authority (NSA), is working to address these concerns. However, as an immediate measure, the Minister has instructed the GFA to request CAF’s inspection of both the Accra Sports Stadium and the University of Ghana Stadium.
These venues are now being considered for the Black Stars’ next international match in October, a crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Sudan.
While the Accra Sports Stadium has previously hosted several CAF Category 2 matches, it must now undergo an official inspection to assess its readiness for Category 3 games.
The University of Ghana Stadium, although it has hosted Category 2 games since its inauguration, has yet to be inspected by CAF for Category 3 approval.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports remains confident that both stadiums will meet CAF’s stringent requirements for Category 3 matches after inspection. The Ministry has also reaffirmed its commitment to upgrading all national stadiums to meet the necessary standards for hosting international matches.
Failure to gain approval would force Ghana to play its home matches abroad, a situation the Ministry is working diligently to avoid.
As the 2025 AFCON qualifiers continue, the Black Stars and their supporters eagerly await the confirmation of the venue for their critical October clash against Sudan.