Author: Victoria Kwofie
Days after inspecting the Bortyman Sports Complex, the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Adams has continued his facility assessment tour with a working visit to the historic Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi. He was accompanied by Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene, officials from the National Sports Authority (NSA), the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, and members of the media.
During the visit, Hon. Adams and his technical team conducted a thorough inspection of the stadium to evaluate its current condition and pinpoint urgent challenges. Regional NSA Director, Kwame Baah Mensah, outlined several pressing concerns: malfunctioning floodlights, deteriorated washrooms, outdated public address systems, worn-out reserve benches, non-functional irrigation pumps, high electricity costs, and security lapses in areas meant to protect players and officials. He also noted the dire need to refurbish the playing turf and improve designated safe zones.
Hon. Adams emphasized that President John Dramani Mahama has issued a clear directive to restore the Baba Yara Sports Stadium to its former status as a symbol of national pride; “this stadium has a storied past and holds deep emotional value for Ghanaians. Our mission is to elevate it to international standards once more,” the Minister stated. “Every effort will be made to breathe new life into this facility and unlock its full potential for the nation.”
Constructed in 1957 by the United African Company (UAC) and inaugurated in 1959, the Baba Yara Stadium has seen several upgrades, notably in 2008 and most recently in 2020, with Phase One of renovations completed in 2022. These included improvements to the tartan tracks, pitch, floodlights, and irrigation system. However, years of neglect have taken their toll, prompting CAF to declare the venue unfit for international matches.
Despite its current state, the stadium remains iconic, having hosted numerous historic games, including the intense World Cup qualifier between Ghana and Nigeria. It has long served as a powerful home ground for the national team, known for delivering strong performances in Kumasi.
Hon. Adams expressed confidence in the stadium’s future, emphasizing both its economic and cultural value; “this stadium is more than a venue; it’s a legacy. With the right investment and commitment, it can become a revenue generating powerhouse and a catalyst for local economic growth,” he said. “It’s time to restore this gem and give Ghanaians a stadium they can be proud of.”
As renovation plans move forward, sports fans and stakeholders across the country are rallying behind the hope that Baba Yara Sports Stadium will soon reclaim its place at the heart of Ghana’s sporting excellence.