Repairs to the floodlights at Accra Sports Stadium are expected to cost between GH¢1.5m and GH¢2m, with the work potentially extending beyond Ghana’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Somalia in November.
The damage was caused earlier this year when a rainstorm, accompanied by strong winds, affected the stadium’s floodlighting system. The incident has raised concerns over whether the venue will be able to stage evening matches.
Acting National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General Prof Emmanuel Osei Sarpong said specialist machinery, including cranes, would be needed to carry out the repairs. The metal structures supporting the floodlights must also be repaired.
“Maybe between 1.5 million and 2 million. Because it’s a huge thing,” Prof Osei Sarpong told Citi Sports.
He said the NSA could not guarantee that the work would be completed before Ghana’s meetings with Somalia, adding that the priority was to deliver a permanent repair rather than rush the process.
“The floodlights are a concern. I can’t promise that before our game against Somalia it would be fixed. If I tell you that, I’m not being honest,” he said.
Ghana are due to play Somalia in the third and fourth rounds of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in November.
Essipong Stadium considered as alternative
The uncertainty over Accra Sports Stadium has led the authorities to begin work at Essipong Stadium, which could be used to host the two fixtures if the floodlights in Accra are not restored in time.
Prof Osei Sarpong confirmed that officials were seeking approval from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for Essipong Stadium to stage the matches.
The proposed move would give Ghana an alternative venue while repairs continue at Accra Sports Stadium.
