Indexing government scandals one at a time
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced on Tuesday, September 11, 2024, the prohibition of Ghana’s Baba Yara Stadium from hosting international matches. This significant decision underscores the deteriorating state of Ghanaian football infrastructure, revealing deep-rooted issues that have long been overlooked. The 40,000-capacity stadium located in Kumasi has been Ghana’s pride, but the recent ban exposes the deficiencies that have plagued the venue for years.
The ban comes in the wake of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match between Ghana and Angola held on September 5, 2024. During the match, CAF inspectors noted several technical infractions, with the primary concern being the unsuitable condition of the playing field. The poor state of the pitch not only affects the quality of the game but also poses a risk to the players’ safety. This has forced CAF to take a firm stance against the negligence displayed by the National Sports Authority (NSA), which has been responsible for the maintenance of the stadium.
The decision to withdraw approval from Baba Yara Stadium is a clear message from CAF, urging Ghanaian authorities to take immediate and effective action. The governing body has called for a comprehensive assessment of all major international stadiums in Ghana to ensure they meet the required technical standards. This directive highlights the urgent need for an overhaul of the existing infrastructure to foster a conducive environment for international football matches.
Sept. 11, 2024
References: