Baba Yara Decay: Sports Minister to Seek Private Sector Assistance
The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has revealed plans to solicit financial assistance from private entities within the country to renovate the Baba Yara Sports Stadium for the impending CAF competitions.
He is particularly eyeing the mining firms operating within the country.
The Minister sees this as the suitable immediate remedy for the situation due to the bureaucracy involved in government activities.
He made his intentions known to the King of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, after inspecting the facility and the abandoned Nyinahini Sports complex on July 9, 2025.
The Baba Yara Stadium is plagued with unfit safe zones, non-functional floodlights, deteriorated washroom and reserve benches, high electricity bills, non-functional irrigation pumps for watering the pitch, and obsolete PA systems.
There is also the issue of overdue refurbishment of the playing turf and unsecured security zones for players and officials.
At the Manhyia Palace, Hon Adams underscored the relevance of the facility for Ghanaian local clubs who would be participating in the CAF Confederations Cup and CAF Champions League games.
“It would have hosted the home games of Asante Kotoko and Bibiani Goldstars but its state leaves them with the option of the Accra Sports Stadium. They will have to travel all the way to Accra for their games which will be very stressful…I will consult private companies for assistance to renovate Baba Yara. I will engage mining companies in the country for support.”
Otumfuo received the news about the deterioration of the Stadium with surprise as he highlighted the impact of sports on development.
His Majesty also encouraged him in his quest to seek private assistance, noting that it would complement the government’s efforts.
The Minister was accompanied by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Sports, Mrs. Wilhelmina Asamoah and the Technical Director of the Ministry, Betty Mensah.
Source: https://opemsuo.com/author/hajara-fuseini/
