Baba Yara Stadium pitch set for a world-class comeback after extensive rehabilitation
Ghana's sports infrastructure is getting a serious upgrade, and the National Sports Authority (NSA) is not backing down from doing the hard work required. Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah has assured Ghanaians that the Baba Yara Sports Stadium pitch will soon be in top shape, despite recent social media criticism over the rehabilitation process.
Speaking during an inspection of the Accra Sports Stadium pitch, Ampofo Ankrah revealed that nearly 60 percent of what appeared to be healthy grass at Baba Yara was actually weeds. The only solution was to strip the surface down to the soil and remove the roots completely.
“At the Accra Sports Stadium, you can still see a few portions that are weeds, but it is minimal. At Baba Yara, about 60 percent of what people thought was grass was actually weeds,” he explained. “We needed to go right down to the soil and remove the roots. That is why you saw the groundsmen and women doing what they did.”
The NSA boss acknowledged that the optics were not great, but he stressed that long-term results matter more than temporary appearances. “The optics may not have been good, but somebody has to do the dirty work. It is our responsibility to ensure that the work is done properly,” he said.
Ampofo Ankrah also revealed that the authority plans to adopt modern technology for future pitch maintenance. “Going forward, technology means we can get equipment that attacks the weeds at the root without resorting to traditional, or what some call archaic, methods. But there is a method to the madness, and we need to get results,” he added.
Why the rehabilitation is a win for Ghana's sports sector
This is not just about fixing a football pitch. It is about showing that Ghana can invest in world-class sports infrastructure. Ampofo Ankrah urged the public to channel their energy into advocating for more funding rather than focusing on the temporary state of the pitch.
“If there's an agenda, the agenda should be why don't we all make enough noise to get more money so our pitches can be like the ones we're enjoying at the World Cup. It can be done, but we need resources, we need funds, and it has to be sustainable,” he said.
The same rehabilitation process was carried out at the Accra Sports Stadium, but it went unnoticed because the dirty work was never filmed. Ampofo Ankrah is confident that in the next few weeks, the Baba Yara pitch will surpass the current condition of the Accra pitch.
What this means for Ghana's diaspora and business community
For Ghanaians abroad and investors looking at the sports sector, this is a clear signal that the country is serious about modernizing its facilities. A well-maintained stadium attracts international matches, boosts tourism, and creates business opportunities in hospitality, media, and logistics.
The NSA's commitment to using technology for maintenance is a step in the right direction. It shows that Ghana is moving away from outdated methods and embracing innovation. This is the kind of progress that makes the country more attractive for global partnerships and investment.
Frequently asked questions about the Baba Yara pitch rehabilitation
Why did the NSA remove all the grass from the Baba Yara pitch?
The NSA removed the grass because nearly 60 percent of it was weeds. The only effective solution was to strip the surface down to the soil and remove the roots to ensure a healthy, long-lasting grass surface.
How long will it take for the pitch to be ready?
The NSA Director-General has assured Ghanaians that the grass will return to its normal state within the next few weeks. The same process was done at the Accra Sports Stadium with successful results.
Will modern technology be used for future maintenance?
Yes. The NSA plans to adopt modern equipment that can attack weeds at the root without relying on traditional methods. This will make future maintenance more efficient and less disruptive.