Black Stars legend and former captain, Stephen Appiah, has sharply criticized the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to rule the Baba Yara Sports Stadium as unfit to host international games, calling it a “national embarrassment.”
This ruling from Africa’s football governing body effectively means that Ghana currently lacks a stadium certified to host international or Category 3 football games. The Baba Yara Stadium, located in Kumasi, was the last remaining venue in Ghana approved by CAF for such matches.
For years, the pitch at Baba Yara Stadium has faced severe criticism due to its poor quality. Concerns about its condition escalated following Ghana’s recent 1-0 loss to Angola in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier. Both Angola’s head coach, Pedro Goncalves, and Ghana’s head coach, Otto Addo, condemned the poor state of the pitch, highlighting how it impacted the quality of play and posed risks to players’ safety. The subsequent ruling by CAF has intensified discussions about Ghana’s football infrastructure and its ability to meet international standards.
Reacting to the news on his social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Stephen Appiah, who enjoyed a successful career playing for European clubs like Juventus and Fenerbahce, did not hide his disappointment with the current state of Ghanaian football infrastructure. His post quickly went viral, reflecting widespread concern among football fans and stakeholders.
“Playing a qualifier outside Ghana, except in a tournament, is a national embarrassment. We must prioritize hosting our own games and protect our football pride,” Appiah stated in his post. His remarks underline the frustration felt by many in Ghana, where football holds a special place in the hearts of millions and is seen as a source of national pride.
Appiah’s comments have struck a chord, particularly given his illustrious history with the Black Stars. He captained the national team to its first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance in 2006, a monumental achievement that has earned him a revered status in Ghanaian sports history. He also played a significant role in the Black Stars’ 2010 FIFA World Cup campaign, where Ghana reached the quarter-finals, becoming only the third African country to do so.
The situation has raised concerns about the management and maintenance of football facilities in Ghana, with many calling for urgent reforms and investment to ensure that the country’s stadiums meet international standards. The lack of a suitable venue for hosting international matches threatens to diminish Ghana’s standing in African and global football.
Appiah’s statement comes at a time when there is growing frustration among the Ghanaian football community, as the absence of approved stadiums could lead to Ghana having to play its home matches in foreign countries. This not only affects the morale of players but also deprives local fans of the opportunity to support their team on home soil, which is critical for maintaining a competitive advantage.
The issue of inadequate football infrastructure has been a longstanding problem in Ghana, where many stadiums suffer from neglect and lack of proper maintenance. Despite being one of the most successful footballing nations in Africa, Ghana’s football infrastructure has not kept pace with its on-field achievements. The CAF ruling on the Baba Yara Stadium has exposed the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to upgrade and maintain sports facilities across the country.
Stephen Appiah’s call to action resonates with the sentiment of many football enthusiasts who believe that immediate measures are needed to rectify the current situation. For a nation with such a rich football heritage, it is essential to have world-class facilities that can host international matches and showcase Ghanaian talent to the world.
In light of the CAF ruling, there is now a heightened sense of urgency among stakeholders, including the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the government, to address the stadium crisis. Some have called for public-private partnerships to fund the renovation and maintenance of existing stadiums, while others have suggested constructing new facilities to meet international standards.
Moreover, there is a strong desire to ensure that Ghana does not lose its place on the international football stage. Playing home matches abroad could negatively affect the team’s performance and deny local fans the opportunity to watch their beloved Black Stars live. Appiah’s statement serves as a reminder that football is more than just a game in Ghana; it is a unifying force and a symbol of national identity.
As discussions continue, many are hoping that Appiah’s passionate appeal will spur authorities into taking decisive action to restore Ghana’s footballing pride and secure the future of the sport in the country. The focus is now on finding sustainable solutions to upgrade the Baba Yara Stadium and other facilities to meet CAF’s standards, ensuring that Ghana can continue to host international games and maintain its football legacy.
https://x.com/StephenAppiah/status/1834184779496878323?t=uaMSXhm0XIXMs40X-Z3lrg&s=19
