By: Nana Yaw Preko Bimpeh
As part of his nationwide tour to assess the condition of major sports infrastructure in the country, the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, on Wednesday, 9th July 2025, paid a working visit to the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.
The Minister was accompanied by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah, and welcomed by the Acting Regional Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA) and other technical officers of the facility.
The inspection began with a closed-door briefing where the Minister was apprised of the current state of the stadium, its pressing infrastructural needs, and the urgent renovations required to restore the venue to full functionality and meet international licensing standards.
The Minister and his team conducted a thorough inspection of the pitch, dressing rooms, safe zones, stands, and other vital operational areas of the stadium.
The stadium, which underwent major renovations in 2022 ahead of international assignments, is currently in need of significant upgrades to meet CAF requirements. Particular attention was paid to issues with the natural grass pitch, the non-functional public address system, worn-out dressing rooms and washrooms, damaged floodlights, and deteriorating seating areas.
Minister Adams emphasized the importance of restoring the Baba Yara Stadium, not only to host the home matches of Asante Kotoko and Bibiani Gold Stars in the upcoming CAF Inter-Club competitions but also to reinvigorate domestic football and enhance fan experience in Kumasi.
He reaffirmed his commitment to working hand-in-hand with the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council and relevant stakeholders to address these issues and implement immediate maintenance measures.
In his remarks, the Minister noted that despite the financial constraints faced by the sports sector, the Ministry is exploring innovative funding options and public-private partnerships to ensure Ghana’s premier stadiums are upgraded to acceptable international standards.
He further hinted at ongoing stakeholder engagements to mobilize corporate support for these renovation works.
The Baba Yara Sports Stadium remains a symbol of Ghanaian football pride and a spiritual home for many football-loving citizens in Kumasi and beyond.
The Minister’s visit reaffirms government’s resolve to safeguard such national assets and use sport as a tool for unity and development.
