Baba Yara Stadium to be ready for 2026/27 football season

The National Sports Authority (NSA) Director General, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, has stated that the Baba Yara Stadium will be prepared for the start of the 2026/27 football season. The Ghana Premier League is scheduled to begin between September 4 and September 7, 2026.

Ankrah conducted a tour of the facility alongside NSA board chairman Dr. Fred Awaah and estate head Mr. Ebo. During the inspection, the Director General evaluated the state of the pitch, the floodlights, and the stability of the scoreboard. He noted that the pitch is currently responding to treatment and that the rehabilitation process is proceeding as planned.

Ankrah expressed confidence that the stadium will be robust enough to host both domestic league matches and international fixtures within a few weeks. He also defended the Ashanti Regional Directorate's maintenance methods following criticism over the use of manual tools on the pitch. He explained that while modern equipment is not yet available, the staff worked to manage weeds and used the Fire Service to water the grass when sprinklers failed.

While the pitch and lighting are being addressed, more than 3,000 seats require repair following damage caused by violence during school sports events in January. The NSA boss confirmed that the Ghana Education Service has agreed to provide the funding necessary to restore these seats.

Regarding the possibility of hosting Black Stars matches during the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, which begin in September, Ankrah noted that the final decision rests with the Ghana Football Association and the sports ministry. This decision will follow consultations with the engineers managing the stadium facility.