New stadium plan could transform Ghana football - Aduana FC CEO Attah Poku

Aduana FC chief executive Atta Poku has welcomed the government's decision to expand its mini stadium project, describing improved football infrastructure across the country as a potential "game changer" for the domestic game.

The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, announced at the Ghana Football Association's 32nd Ordinary Congress that the planned number of mini stadia has been increased from six to 10.

Poku said the investment could significantly improve the Ghana Premier League by giving more regions access to quality venues and reducing reliance on the limited number of certified stadiums.

"We've seen venues that have been approved and venues that have not been approved. Now, if you have a stadium in Sunyani, if you have a stadium in Koforidua, if you have a stadium in Kumasi, if you have a stadium in Wa, it improves the league significantly," he said.

He argued that the benefits would go far beyond providing venues for league fixtures, insisting that modern facilities would raise playing standards and strengthen talent development.

"Infrastructure is the game changer. And if you have the right infrastructure, we are going to improve," Poku added.

According to the Aduana chief, better stadiums would enhance the quality of competition while creating improved conditions for identifying and nurturing young players.

"It aids in the quality of football we play. It aids in the quality of talent development we do and its identification," he said.

Poku also urged the government to back football with sustained investment if Ghana is to maintain its reputation as one of Africa's leading football nations.

"It's important that as a supposed football nation, we get infrastructure and backing from government," he said.

He further praised the government's willingness to complete infrastructure projects started by previous administrations rather than abandoning them in favour of new initiatives.

"We couldn't complete it. And the president has assured that he's going to complete that. We would also appeal to them that they should complete it," he said.

Poku believes delivering the promised projects would provide a lasting measure of the government's commitment to developing the sport.

"At the time, we'll go back and say that the minister came to Congress for the first time and said there was going to be this infrastructure, and it is there," he said.

Aduana FC begin their 2026-27 Ghana Premier League campaign with an away trip to face Heart of Lions at Kpando Sports Stadium.