The Ranking Member on Parliament’s Youth and Sports Committee, Hon. Vincent Ekow Assafuah, has launched a fierce critique against the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government over the unfit condition of the Baba Yara Sports Stadium. With Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko preparing for the CAF Confederation Cup, the stadium remains below CAF standards — a setback that threatens the club’s home advantage and Ghana’s football reputation.
In a press release dated August 5, 2025, Hon. Assafuah, who also serves as MP for Old Tafo, emphasized that the stadium’s degradation is an indictment of the government’s failure to act in time, despite assuming office over seven months ago. He said the iconic stadium, which has long been the pride of Kumasi and Ghana’s football tradition, is now a symbol of neglect and administrative inertia.
“Kotoko deserves a home that reflects their ambition. Yet, the NDC has failed to allocate resources for repairs despite the known CAF ban,” Assafuah lamented.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) imposed a ban on the stadium in September 2024, citing substandard pitch quality and infrastructure challenges. Though the initial ban occurred during the NPP administration, Assafuah stated that rehabilitation plans were already in motion, and expected the new government to follow through.
Meanwhile, the National Sports Authority (NSA), under Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, has acknowledged the stadium’s ongoing disrepair, blaming it on infrastructure decay, funding issues, and operational lapses. These admissions were echoed in a Ghana Business News report dated August 4, 2025.
Hon. Assafuah warned that Kotoko playing away from their traditional home could have dire implications, both economically for Kumasi and symbolically for Ghana’s football identity. He cited reduced match-day revenue, loss of local fan engagement, and a diminishing global reputation for Ghanaian football.
He also pointed to the 2001 Accra Stadium disaster as a reminder of the dangers of neglecting sporting infrastructure, urging the NDC to act swiftly.
“We cannot afford to jeopardize lives or our legacy. Ghana’s pride and Kotoko’s success depend on a restored Baba Yara Stadium,” Assafuah stressed.
The NPP Minority is calling for:
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The immediate release of emergency funds
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A re-evaluation of NSA leadership and performance
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Full restoration of Baba Yara Stadium to CAF standards within six months
Hon. Assafuah ended his remarks with a call for bipartisan cooperation, encouraging the ruling NDC to unite in restoring Ghana’s football glory.
