Former Ghana international Derek Boateng has accused the Ghana Football Association (GFA) of neglecting the quality of football pitches in favour of focusing on monetary gains, an oversight that could hamper the Black Stars’ performance in upcoming matches.
Boateng’s criticism comes after the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, which hosted Ghana’s recent game against Angola, was banned by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) due to the poor condition of its pitch. CAF issued a statement noting that the current pitch did not meet the required standards for international matches, calling for a complete reconstruction.
CAF has also recommended a full assessment of all major international stadiums in Ghana to ensure compliance with its technical standards. This directive places the GFA in a challenging position as the country faces limited venue options for future matches. Ghana may be forced to play its upcoming October game against Sudan in neighboring countries like Togo, Nigeria, or Ivory Coast.
Boateng, expressing frustration with the GFA’s inaction, challenged the association to prioritize fixing the issues, stating, “The only thing they care about is money. We have players coming from Europe who play on high-quality pitches, and you expect them to perform on substandard surfaces? If the FA cares about football, they need to address these problems before the players arrive for the next match.”
The criticism highlights a long-standing problem within Ghana’s sports infrastructure, where renting out stadiums has become a primary revenue stream for the National Sports Authority (NSA). However, this practice often leaves facilities in poor condition, affecting the performance of national teams like the Black Stars.
In response, the Sports Ministry has instructed the NSA to take immediate steps to resolve the pitch issues at Baba Yara Stadium. Yet, with Ghana facing Sudan on October 11, their prospects in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier are uncertain. The Black Stars have struggled in their recent games, with a 1-0 defeat to Angola and a 1-1 draw against Niger, leaving them third in Group F with only one point.
The ongoing debate over pitch quality raises concerns about how Ghana’s football infrastructure, if not properly managed, could affect both player performance and the country’s standing in international tournaments. The GFA now faces mounting pressure to invest in the long-term maintenance of its sports facilities rather than focusing solely on short-term financial gains.
