The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is exploring the possibility of holding its home matches in neighboring Togo following a critical shortage of approved stadiums. This unexpected development comes in the wake of sanctions imposed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on the Baba Yara Stadium, one of Ghana’s most prominent venues.
After the first round of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, CAF raised concerns over the condition of the Baba Yara Stadium.
The football governing body highlighted several deficiencies, including a poorly maintained pitch, irregular playing surfaces, an ineffective drainage system, and inadequate turf quality.
These shortcomings have rendered the stadium unsuitable for hosting international matches under current CAF standards.
In response to the sanctions, the GFA has been left with limited options for hosting future games, prompting the consideration of alternative venues, including the possibility of playing in Togo.
The proximity and availability of stadiums in the neighboring country have made it an attractive option as the GFA scrambles to find solutions.
CAF has also urged the Ghanaian authorities to conduct a thorough assessment of all its other international stadiums, including the Cape Coast Stadium and the Accra Sports Stadium.
These venues, like Baba Yara, need to be upgraded to meet the stringent requirements set by CAF for hosting international competitions.
Ghana now faces the urgent task of addressing these concerns to avoid further sanctions and disruptions to their international football calendar.
Playing home matches in another country, while unusual, may be the most feasible option if the GFA cannot swiftly bring its existing facilities up to par.
As Ghana navigates this crisis, the situation has raised broader concerns about the state of sports infrastructure in the country, with calls for more investment and better maintenance to prevent similar issues in the future.
Fans, players, and officials alike will be watching closely as the GFA works to resolve this pressing issue.
