The Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, has reassured stakeholders that his team is dedicated to upgrading and maintaining Ghana’s national stadia to meet the strict standards set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
This commitment comes in response to growing concerns over the state of Ghana’s sports infrastructure, which has drawn criticism from local fans and international sports bodies.
Speaking in an interview with Citi Sports on March 28, 2025, Ankrah acknowledged the urgent need for renovations, particularly at the Accra Sports Stadium, which has faced repeated maintenance challenges over the years.
During a recent inspection of the Accra Sports Stadium, Ankrah admitted that he was “shocked” by the poor condition of the facility, likening it to a “crime scene” due to severe infrastructural deterioration.
Despite these challenges, the NSA successfully prepared the stadium for the Black Stars’ World Cup qualifier against Chad on March 21, 2025. However, this short-term fix is not enough, and the stadium requires major renovations to meet CAF’s licensing requirements and to avoid possible sanctions.
The NSA recently denied Accra Hearts of Oak’s request to use the Accra Sports Stadium for their home game against Nations FC on April 2, 2025.
In response to reports that the club was considering the venue, the NSA clarified that the stadium is not in a suitable condition for competitive matches and requires significant upgrades before it can be used again.
To address these pressing issues, Ankrah emphasized that the NSA is taking proactive measures to ensure that Ghana’s sports facilities are modernized and properly maintained.
The goal is to align Ghana’s stadia with CAF’s strict standards, making them fit for international competitions and ensuring that Ghana remains eligible to host major sporting events.
This effort is crucial not only for the development of Ghanaian football but also for the overall growth of sports in the country.
The deteriorating state of Ghana’s stadia has become a significant concern, but the NSA, under Yaw Ampofo Ankrah’s leadership, is committed to implementing urgent upgrades.
By meeting CAF’s requirements and enhancing the quality of sports infrastructure, Ghana aims to maintain its reputation as a football powerhouse while providing better facilities for players and fans alike.
