Sports Ministry directs GFA to seek CAF approval for UG and Accra Sports Stadium

Sep 12, 2024 - 10:54

Accra, Ghana - September 12, 2024 - The Ministry of Youth and Sports has directed the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to seek approval from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to use the Accra Sports Stadium and the University of Ghana Sports Stadium as alternate venues for the Black Stars' next home match in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

This move comes after CAF banned the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, which hosted Ghana's last game against Angola, due to an "unsuitable playing field."

The ban leaves Ghana with limited options, with the possibility of hosting their next game against Sudan in October in neighboring countries such as Togo, Nigeria, or Ivory Coast.

However, the Sports Ministry is optimistic that the Accra and University of Ghana Sports Stadiums can be used, stating that "most issues have been resolved."

The Ministry has asked the GFA to contact CAF for inspection and possible approval of the two stadiums.

The statement reads: “The Minister has further instructed the Ghana Football Association to immediately request CAF to inspect the Accra Sports Stadium and the newly-built University of Ghana stadium, for approval as Category 3 match venues, for use by the Black Stars in its next international match in October."

The GFA is expected to act swiftly to ensure that Ghana can host their next match on home soil, avoiding the need to play in a foreign country.

Read the full statement from the Ministry below.