Esme Mends, the Club Licensing Manager for the Ghana Football Association, has raised concerns about the condition of the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, stating that it is “not ready to host a competitive game” ahead of the Black Stars’ Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Angola.
The stadium, the only CAF-approved venue in Ghana, is experiencing poor conditions, including faded grass, just 16 days before the match scheduled for September 5.
Mends indicated that the stadium would be unsuitable if any major events were planned.
Despite these concerns, he acknowledged the National Sports Authority’s (NSA) efforts to improve the pitch and described the ongoing work as promising.
“Our major concern was the playing field which wasn't in a good state,” Mends told Luv FM.
“If there's to be any major activity, sorry to say Baba Yara is not ready to host competitive game.”
“The NSA is working tirelessly on the pitch so the assurance was there to see and we were impressed with what they were [workers] doing. I am confident they will ready [Baba Yara pitch] for the Angola game.”
The deterioration of the turf is attributed to a five-day 'Kumuyi' Church program held in July.