NSA Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah Defends Baba Yara Stadium Pitch Rehabilitation Following Public Criticism

The Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, has publicly defended the ongoing rehabilitation efforts at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi. This official response follows a wave of social media backlash sparked by videos showing grounds staff manually clearing the pitch. Critics on various digital platforms raised concerns about the methods being employed and the visible state of the national facility, which serves as a primary venue for both domestic league matches and international fixtures involving Ghana's national teams.

Addressing the controversy, Mr. Ankrah explained that the current phase of the rehabilitation process is fundamental to the long-term health and quality of the playing surface. He specifically highlighted that the work is essential to eliminate stubborn weeds and invasive grass species that had compromised the integrity of the turf. According to the NSA chief, the extensive nature of the rehabilitation is a necessary intervention. The authority maintains that while the visual appearance of the restoration process may have unsettled some observers, the methods are aimed at ensuring the pitch eventually meets required standards for high-level football.

The Baba Yara Sports Stadium remains a cornerstone of Ghana's sports infrastructure, and the quality of its grass is frequently a subject of intense scrutiny from fans, players, and journalists alike. As the NSA continues with these restoration efforts, the body has assured the sporting community that the final outcome will be a significantly improved playing surface. This project is particularly critical as the facility prepares for future competitive matches, where a world-class pitch is vital for player safety and the performance of the Black Stars and local clubs.