We have written to CAF to Inspect the Accra and Cape Coast Sports Stadia – Mustapha Ussif

The Ghanaian government has strongly refuted claims by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) that the country lacks FIFA-standard pitches to host international matches. This denial follows CAF’s recent ban on the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, the only approved venue for the Black Stars, due to its failure to meet required standards.

The ban has put Ghana in a difficult position ahead of their crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Sudan, forcing the country to consider playing the match outside its borders, possibly in Ivory Coast.

In response, Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif has contested CAF’s claims, asserting that Ghana has several FIFA-standard pitches, including those at the Accra Sports Stadium and Cape Coast Sports Stadium. Ussif revealed that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has already formally requested CAF to inspect both venues, though they are yet to receive a response.

Speaking to Parliament’s Sports Select Committee on Tuesday, September 24, Ussif expressed hope that CAF would soon approve one of the local venues, eliminating the need for Ghana to play in a neighboring country.

“It’s not that we don’t have FIFA-standard pitches in Ghana; we do have FIFA-standard pitches in Cape Coast, Accra, and Kumasi,” Ussif said. “We have written to CAF requesting an inspection of the Accra Sports Stadium and Cape Coast Sports Stadium, and they have yet to respond,” he added.

The government remains optimistic that CAF will approve one of the local options, ensuring Ghana can host its crucial AFCON qualifier on home soil.