By Kwame Bediako
Accra Hearts of Oak have been prohibited from utilising the University of Ghana Stadium as their home ground for the 2024-2025 football season by the Ghana Football Association.
This decision comes after a recent assessment of the facility, which deemed it unsuitable for hosting Ghana Premier League (GPL) matches. The club’s communication director, Kwame Opare Addo, revealed the GFA’s ruling in an interview with Happy FM.
“On Thursday evening, we received information that, per the enhanced safety and security measures, Legon Stadium does not meet the required standards, and as such, we cannot play there,” Kwame Opare Addo stated.
The move to the University of Ghana Stadium was initially a temporary solution following the closure of the Accra Sports Stadium by the National Sports Authority (NSA). However, the GFA’s assessment has now rendered this arrangement untenable. Addo elaborated on the concerns raised by the GFA, outlining issues with the stadium’s infrastructure.
“The communication states that the pitch is undulating and that the safety and security zones from where the buses park to the dressing rooms are deemed not secure enough. Because of that, they have ruled the venue unavailable,” he explained.
The GFA’s decision has left Hearts of Oak scrambling to secure an alternative venue for their home games. This development poses a significant challenge for the club as it prepares for the season return after some break.
The inability to use the University of Ghana Stadium adds to the logistical complexities already faced due to the closure of the Accra Sports Stadium. Hearts of Oak must now prioritise finding a venue that meets the GFA’s safety and security standards to ensure compliance and avoid further disruptions to their season.
