By Nana Kwame Bediako
Former Black Stars Captain Stephen Appiah, a revered figure in Ghanaian sports, took to social media to express his disappointment over the Black Stars not being able to host competitive international matches at any of the stadiums in Ghana following the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) recent ban on the Baba Yara Sports Stadium. Appiah did not mince words, labelling the situation as a national embarrassment.
“Playing a qualifier outside Ghana, except in a tournament, is a national embarrassment. We must prioritise hosting our own games and protecting our football pride,” he stated emphatically.
The impact of the ban extends beyond the emotional and symbolic implications. Hosting international matches is not only a matter of national pride but also a significant economic opportunity for the host country. Local businesses, vendors, and the hospitality industry all stand to gain from the influx of fans and teams. With the ban in place, these economic benefits will be lost, further compounding the frustration felt by many Ghanaians.
This incident has also brought attention to the broader issues affecting sports infrastructure in Ghana. The condition of the Baba Sports Stadium is symptomatic of a larger problem that plagues many sports facilities across the country. There is now a renewed call for the government and relevant stakeholders to invest in the maintenance and upgrading of sports infrastructure to avoid such embarrassing situations in the future. Ensuring that facilities meet international standards is crucial for the development and success of Ghanaian sports.
As the nation grapples with this setback, the football community will be watching closely to see if any swift actions will be taken to address the concerns raised by CAF. The goal is to restore all stadiums in the country to a condition that meets international standards, allowing Ghana to host future qualifying matches on home soil. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining high standards in sports infrastructure, not only for the pride of the nation but also for the development of the sport itself.
