Sports Minister Kofi Adams Commits to Full Restoration of Baba Yara Stadium
Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Adams, has pledged a comprehensive rehabilitation of the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, following a working visit to assess the deteriorating state of Ghana’s largest sporting facility.
He was joined on the tour by Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene and a team of technical experts from the ministry, who collectively inspected the stadium’s infrastructure and operations.
During the visit, Kwame Baah Mensah, the Ashanti Regional Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), highlighted a catalogue of challenges plaguing the stadium. These include non-functional floodlights, broken washrooms, an outdated public address system, damaged reserve benches, high electricity costs, and a faulty irrigation network. He also raised security concerns in areas designated for the protection of players and match officials.
Minister Adams emphasized that the rehabilitation project forms part of a broader national agenda to upgrade Ghana’s key sports infrastructure, in line with President John Dramani Mahama’s directive.
“The Baba Yara Stadium holds historic significance and must be restored to meet modern standards,” he said. “Every effort will be made to ensure its revival.”
Despite those upgrades, years of limited maintenance have left the stadium in poor condition. In its current state, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) recently ruled the venue unfit to host international matches.
“The stadium is more than just a sports arena. Beyond sports, this facility has the capacity to boost local economic activity. We are committed to restoring its value and purpose,” Minister Adams added.
The Baba Yara Stadium has served as a fortress for the national team, the Black Stars, and hosted numerous high-profile events, including the crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier against Nigeria.
