Ghana targets four CAF-approved stadia as government steps up renovations

Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams says the government is committed to upgrading key sporting facilities across the country to secure approval from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA for at least four stadia.

Adams says the ongoing renovation of the Essipong Sports Stadium is progressing well and could transform the facility into one of Ghana's high-category sporting venues.

“I believe that with this speed, Essipong Sports Stadium will become one of our high-category facilities,” he said.

The minister explained that the government intends to complete the work at Essipong before extending the renovation programme to other major stadiums across the country.

Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium and Cape Coast Sports Stadium are among the facilities earmarked for upgrades, while the Accra Sports Stadium will also be considered.

“Our intention is to have at least four of our facilities approved by CAF. So, the intention is to make sure we continue the renovation process. We will finish Essipong Sports Stadium; we will tackle Baba Yara; we will tackle Aliu Mahama; we will tackle Cape Coast also. Then we’ll come and deal with Accra also. So, that’s the intention,” Adams added.

The planned renovations form part of efforts to improve Ghana's sporting infrastructure and increase the number of venues available to host international football matches.

Essipong will receive an immediate test of its readiness when the Black Stars host Somalia in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header.

Ghana will welcome Somalia in the third-round encounter on Thursday, November 12, before travelling for the return fixture on Monday, November 16.

The decision to stage the home fixture at Essipong offers the stadium an opportunity to host a senior national team competitive match as renovation works continue.