The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Adams, has unveiled a comprehensive plan to renovate and upgrade the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, signaling a renewed commitment to restoring one of Ghana’s most iconic sporting venues.
The announcement came after an on-site inspection led by Hon. Adams and the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene. The visit included a detailed assessment of the stadium’s current state, during which several pressing issues were identified.
Kwame Baah Mensah, the Ashanti Regional Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), briefed the ministers on critical challenges facing the facility. These include malfunctioning floodlights, dilapidated washrooms and reserve benches, high electricity costs, broken irrigation pumps, outdated public address systems, and inadequate safety zones for players and officials.
The playing turf was also flagged for urgent refurbishment to meet international standards.
Minister Adams highlighted a directive from President John Dramani Mahama to ensure the stadium is fully restored to its past glory — a venue that has long been a symbol of national pride.
“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,” the minister stated.
“All efforts will be made to bring this facility back to life and maximise its potential for the benefit of our nation.”
Built in 1957 by the United African Company (UAC) and opened officially as a football venue in 1959, the Baba Yara Stadium has undergone various renovations, the most notable being in 2008. A refurbishment project began in 2020, with the first phase completed in November 2022, focusing on tartan tracks, pitch surfaces, floodlights, and irrigation systems.
Despite those upgrades, years of neglect have since left the stadium in a deteriorated condition, prompting the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to declare it unfit for international matches.
The stadium has hosted historic fixtures — including World Cup qualifiers like the Ghana-Nigeria showdown — and remains a favourite home ground for the Black Stars.
Hon. Adams expressed optimism about the stadium’s potential to drive both sports development and economic growth in the region.
“This facility can generate substantial revenue and catalyse local economic development. It’s about time we fix this gem and uphold its legacy,” he said.
As renovation efforts progress, many fans and stakeholders are hopeful that Baba Yara will soon be restored as a symbol of unity, excellence, and national pride.
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