Baba Yara Stadium 70% ready for AFCON qualifiers – NSA Board Chairman, Seth Panwum
Board Chairman of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Seth Panwum has confirmed that the Baba Yara Sports Stadium is currently 70% prepared to host Ghana’s upcoming match against Sudan.
Panwum made this statement during a session with the Parliamentary Select Committee on Youth, Sports, and Culture on Wednesday, September 25.
He noted that significant renovations are underway on the stadium’s pitch, which are expected to be completed in time for the next match.
While acknowledging the swift progress of the work, he stressed that the final evaluation will be conducted by officials from the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Panwum also emphasized the necessity for additional funding to ensure the stadium’s ongoing maintenance and upkeep.
He revealed that talks are in progress with the Minister of Finance to secure emergency funds aimed at safeguarding the pitch and preparing it for future games.
“CAF indicated the need for extensive work on the pitch, which we have acknowledged and are currently addressing. At this pace, they may even allow us to use it for the next match,” he said. “However, according to their regulations, we must provide them with an update before we can formally request them to reassess the pitch and grant us approval. It’s regrettable that we’ve reached this point.”
Panwum further pointed out, “It’s common practice in other countries, such as Wembley, to hold concerts while ensuring the pitch is protected with pitch covers. I’ve discussed with our Minister of Finance, through our Sector Minister, the urgency of securing assistance because we’re also tasked with generating revenue, and the income from gate receipts is not sufficient to meet our obligations.”
Ghana is set to face Sudan in a doubleheader during matchdays three and four of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers in October.
