Ghana, a nation rich in football heritage, is now grappling with a painful reality—its stadiums, once symbols of national pride and unity, are crumbling. Once-vibrant sports complexes that echoed with the roar of fans are now defined by silence and decay, highlighting a broader issue of neglect and underinvestment in the country’s sporting infrastructure.
A golden era turned sour
Before the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Ghana had just two national stadiums—the Accra Sports Stadium and the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi. Under President John Agyekum Kufuor, the country expanded its portfolio, constructing the Tamale and Essipong Sports Stadiums at a cost of $77 million. These developments positioned Ghana as a worthy AFCON host and sparked hope for a new football era.
Later, in 2016, the Cape Coast Stadium was inaugurated under President John Dramani Mahama, built with Chinese support and designed to hold 15,000 spectators at a cost of $35 million. By then, Ghana had five prominent stadiums—and even higher expectations.
The legacy that faded
These facilities weren’t just arenas—they were monuments to Ghana’s passion for sport. From Accra to Kumasi and Sekondi to Tamale, the stadiums carried decades of history, emotional triumphs, and national milestones. Yet today, many lie in ruin, casualties of poor maintenance, administrative inefficiency, and funding shortfalls.
Peeling paint, crumbling concrete, unsafe seating, and water-damaged structures now characterize these venues. Their degradation has not only endangered spectators and athletes but tarnished Ghana’s image on the international stage.
Stadium by Stadium: A Glimpse at the decline
Accra Sports Stadium
Built in 1961 and refurbished in 2007 to meet FIFA standards ahead of AFCON 2008, the 40,000-seat stadium remains central to Ghana’s football scene. Despite an additional GHS 22.4 million injected in 2020, the stadium failed to meet CAF and FIFA standards four years later.
It was only recently cleared to host the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. But red flags remain. The Sports Minister admitted to 3Sports that the stadium’s condition warrants closure for urgent renovations. Structural concerns, particularly in the Osu wing, have forced authorities to block access to sections of the stands.
Baba Yara Sports Stadium (Kumasi)
This iconic 40,528-seat venue, built in 1959, has hosted countless landmark matches. Renovated in the 1970s, it received a significant facelift recently—costing GHS 21.1 million. Yet, poor drainage, uneven pitch, and faulty lighting have rendered it unfit for FIFA and CAF matches. The scoreboard no longer works, and CAF withdrew its approval for the stadium to host World Cup qualifiers, raising questions about accountability and execution.
Sekondi-Essipong Stadium
Built for AFCON 2008, the 20,000-seater has become a ghostly shell of its former self. Although a GHS 41.9 million renovation was announced in 2023, the stadium still suffers from broken infrastructure—leaking roofs, rusted seats, exposed scaffolding, and debris-littered interiors.
The condition poses serious health and safety risks, making it unsuitable for hosting any event and symbolizing the broader neglect plaguing the sector.
Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium (Tamale)
This 20,000-seat venue was also built for the 2008 AFCON, yet today it sits abandoned. Its VVIP stands are falling apart, washrooms are unusable, and the public stands show signs of long-term neglect. FIFA and CAF have both repeatedly rejected it as a suitable venue, highlighting the consequences of years without basic upkeep.
Cape Coast Stadium
Opened in 2016, Cape Coast Stadium held promise. It has since hosted numerous domestic and international matches. However, the poor state of its pitch and inadequate facilities have seen it blacklisted by CAF and FIFA. In 2023, Medeama SC’s request to host CAF Champions League games there was denied. CAF deemed the stadium unsafe, further underlining Ghana’s growing stadium crisis.
More than sports: The ripple effect
The degradation of stadiums goes beyond sport—it has economic and cultural implications. These venues were once vital to local economies, creating jobs and boosting tourism. Their decline affects vendors, transport operators, journalists, and entire communities. As Albert Ababio, a senior sports journalist in Sekondi-Takoradi, notes, the absence of top-flight football has even affected media coverage, leaving regional professionals to depend on content from outside the region.
Funding and Accountability
According to intercepted documents, North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa alleged that over GHS 85 million of taxpayer funds were disbursed to companies for stadium rehabilitation projects that yielded little visible improvement. This revelation has sparked public concern and fueled calls for a full audit of all stadium-related expenditure.
A call to action
Reviving Ghana’s stadiums isn’t just a matter of national pride—it’s a necessity for sports development. Public-private partnerships, transparent funding, and strict maintenance schedules are needed to breathe life back into these facilities. If rehabilitated, the stadiums could once again host major international events, boost local economies, and inspire future generations of athletes.
The story of Ghana’s stadiums is a cautionary tale of how quickly glory can fade—but it is also a story that can be rewritten. With commitment, integrity, and action, the nation can restore these iconic structures and reclaim its place as a beacon of African football excellence.
By Emmanuel Owusu
