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Former Sekondi Hasaacas Chief Executive, Samuel Paa Kwesi Arbuah, has launched a stinging potshot at the Government and the National Sports Authority (NSA), mocking, “the NSA is now free to organise all-night services all day and night and we don’t care’! following the closure of the Baba Yara Stadium by the Confederation of African Football.
The decision by CAF has sparked a wave of attacks and criticism targeted at the ruling New Patriotic Party and the National Sports Authority for its poor handling of the state assets.
There is growing anger among Ghanaian football fans after widespread reports emerged that the government of Ghana spent $4 million as accreditation cost for the 2023 All Africa Games, hosted in the tiny West African nation.
The continent’s governing body, CAF, has been left with little or no choice as they placed a ban on the venue from hosting top-tier international matches after years of neglect and outright disregard by the Government and the National Sports Authority (NSA).
This is a massive slap and blot on the country’s government for their total neglect of widespread concerns raised about the quality of the Baba Yara stadium facility.
This decision follows a series of technical infractions observed during the recent Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying match between Ghana and Angola held on September 5, 2024.
And former Sekondi Hasaacas, Samuel Arbuah, has lashed out at the country’s authorities for the disgraceful situation.
“It’s shameful and disgraceful that in 2024, Ghana lacks a standard stadium to host international matches. We pride ourselves as having built several Astro turf pitches but today look at us. This is what we wanted and we’ve gotten it,” he told GHANAsoccernett.com
“The NSA can now go ahead and organise all-night services every day. We don’t care. In fact, they (NSA and government) can ‘chew’ the facility for all we care,” he fumed.
“The government claims to have funded several Astro turfs in Ghana and we can’t get one, just one fit enough to host international matches? We’ve been joking in this country for far too long. Countries are leaving us behind and we keep playing chess with our infrastructure deficit.
“Today, for the first time in our history, Ghana, a country famed for football, will be playing an international match in another country. This is total madness, unwarranted, uncalled for and disgraceful. We just have not been angry enough as Ghanaians.”
The primary concern raised by CAF inspectors is the subpar condition of the playing field.
The stadium, which boasts a capacity of over 40,000 spectators, witnessed significant deterioration of its pitch, including uneven surfaces, poor drainage, and inadequate grass cover.
These shortcomings prevent the stadium from meeting the required standards for hosting Category 3 international matches as per CAF regulations.
This is not the first time CAF has expressed concerns about Ghanaian stadiums.
The letter issued by CAF highlights previous warnings regarding the state of the Baba Yara Stadium, along with Cape Coast Stadium and Accra Sports Stadium.
The lack of alternative venues meeting CAF’s Category 3 criteria has created a predicament for the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
To address the situation, CAF has requested the GFA to identify a suitable venue outside Ghana for the upcoming Matchday 3 and 4 of the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 qualifiers.
The new directive means Ghana will have to host matches abroad, as the Baba Yara Stadium failed to meet requirements.
Emphasizing the urgency of improvements, CAF has urged the Ghanaian authorities to undertake a comprehensive assessment of all major international stadiums to ensure compliance with their technical standards.
Beyond the immediate crisis, CAF has offered its support to Ghana in restoring its stadiums to international standards.
This support includes providing an experienced pitch consultant, specializing in major international competitions like AFCON, to offer expert guidance on the necessary renovations.
The cost of this consultancy would be borne by the GFA.
Following the completion of the renovations, CAF has committed to conducting an independent inspection at the GFA’s request and expense to reassess the Baba Yara Stadium’s suitability for future matches.
The GFA has acknowledged the situation and pledged to collaborate with the government to expedite the necessary upgrades and restore the Baba Yara Stadium to its former glory.
This development casts a shadow over Ghana’s upcoming international fixtures in October, forcing them to seek alternative venues outside the country.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA), is now on a huntfor a new venue with neighbouring La Cote D’voire, Togo and the newly reconstructed TnA Stadium in the mining town of Tarkwa under scrutiny.
Source:Ghanasoccernet.com