The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Adams, has announced plans to fix and upgrade the Baba-Yara Sports Stadium following a working visit to the facility with the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene.
The visit included a guided tour by the technical team and the Regional Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Kwame Baah Mensah, who outlined a number of pressing issues affecting the stadium. These included concerns over safe zones, non-functional floodlights, dilapidated washrooms, reserve benches, rising electricity bills, faulty irrigation pumps, and outdated public address systems. He also stressed the need to refurbish the playing turf and improve security measures.
Speaking during the visit, Hon. Kofi Adams stated, “This stadium has a storied history and holds a special place in the hearts of Ghanaians. We are committed to ensuring it meets international standards once again.” He emphasized that the directive from President John Dramani Mahama was to “restore the Baba-Yara Sports Stadium to its former glory, where it served as a hub of national pride and happiness.”
Constructed in 1957 by the United African Company (UAC) and inaugurated in 1959, the stadium has undergone several renovations over the years, including major upgrades in 2008. A recent renovation effort began in 2020, with the first phase completed in November 2022, which addressed the tartan tracks, pitch, floodlights, and irrigation systems. Despite these improvements, the stadium has been deemed unsuitable by CAF for hosting international matches due to its current condition.
The stadium has historically hosted significant events such as a World Cup qualifier between Ghana and Nigeria, and remains an important venue for the national team.
Hon. Adams noted the facility’s economic and cultural significance. “This facility can generate substantial revenue and catalyze local economic development. It’s about time we fix this gem and uphold its legacy,” he affirmed.
Renovation plans are expected to continue, with stakeholders hopeful the stadium will once again serve its purpose as a national landmark.
While commending the Minister’s efforts, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has pledged to “lead the fund-raising drive among our major mining companies to ensure Baba Yara is match-ready and the Nyinahin complex is finally completed.” He said this when Hon. Kofi Adams paid a courtesy call at Manhyia Palace to brief him on the urgent works required at the Baba-Yara Sports Stadium and Nyinahin Youth Resource Centre
He urged the Ministry to submit detailed cost estimates without delay, stressing that timely mobilization of resources was essential.
