Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, has made a passionate appeal for swift and sustained renovation of the Kumasi Baba Yara Sports Stadium, insisting the iconic venue must reflect its historical significance and national value.
Speaking on Oyerepa FM, Mr. Ampofo Ankrah described the stadium as more than just a sports facility. “It’s a national treasure,” he said, noting its importance to clubs like Asante Kotoko, the Black Stars, and for major cultural and traditional events.
He revealed that although detailed renovation plans are in place, ongoing commitments—especially international fixtures hosted in Accra—have caused delays due to safety and structural concerns. Now, with focus shifting back to Kumasi, the NSA is eager to begin work.
The pitch upgrade is being handled by Green Grass Technology, who estimate the job could be completed in as little as six weeks if full support is provided—including funding, logistics, water supply, and round-the-clock maintenance by grounds staff.
“This isn’t just about a playing field,” Ampofo Ankrah stressed. “It affects the entire football ecosystem—fans, sponsors, competitions—and we must raise the standard for good.”
He acknowledged previous suggestions to use the University of Ghana Stadium as an alternative, but Kumasi was eventually retained. Still, he urged stakeholders to be realistic and prepare backup plans in the short term.
Mr. Ampofo Ankrah concluded with a call for a comprehensive renovation that ends the cycle of emergency fixes: “We want to fix it once and for all, not patch it every season.”
Although the exact date of Asante Kotoko’s return to the stadium remains undecided, the NSA is hopeful that with immediate action, the venue could be ready between September 20 and 27.