Ministry of Youth and Sports statement: Directs GFA to request CAF to Inspect Legon Stadium & Accra Stadium for possible approval

The Ministry of Youth and Sports has been informed of a communique by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and its decision to withdraw approval of the Baba Yara Stadium as a suitable venue for CAF Category 3 matches.

The CAF notice particularly raised concerns about the state of the pitch; a concern which is already being addressed, by the closure of the Stadium after the 2025 AFCON qualifier match against Angola.

The Minister has directed the National Sports Authority (NSA) to take steps to resolve issues with the pitch and further instructed the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to immediately request CAF to inspect the Accra Sports Stadium and the newly-built University of Ghana Stadium, for approval as Category 3 match venues, for use by the Black Stars in its next international match in October.

Most issues identified by CAF at the Accra Sports Stadium during a previous inspection have been resolved; while the University of Ghana Stadium has already hosted CAF Category 2 matches, but the stadium, since inauguration, is yet to be inspected by CAF’s independent inspectors for consideration as a suitable category 3 match venue, in accordance with CAF’s Stadium Regulations.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports is confident that the University of Ghana and Accra Sports Stadia will meet the requirements for CAF’s Category 3 matches after the inspection, and again reiterate its commitment to upgrading the remaining national stadia to meet the standards required for CAF Category 3 matches.

SIGNED
PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT
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