Ghana’s government is aiming to secure Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA approval for at least four stadiums as it accelerates the renovation of key sporting facilities across the country.
Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams said work at Essipong Sports Stadium was progressing well and could elevate the venue into one of Ghana’s high-category sporting facilities.
“I believe that with this speed, Essipong Sports Stadium will become one of our high-category facilities,” Adams said.
The government plans to complete the Essipong project before moving on to other major stadiums. Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium and Cape Coast Sports Stadium have been identified for upgrades, with the Accra Sports Stadium also set to be considered.
“Our intention is to have at least four of our facilities approved by CAF. So, the intention is to make sure we continue the renovation process. We will finish Essipong Sports Stadium; we will tackle Baba Yara; we will tackle Aliu Mahama; we will tackle Cape Coast also. Then we’ll come and deal with Accra also. So, that’s the intention,” Adams added.
The renovation programme is intended to strengthen Ghana’s sporting infrastructure and increase the number of venues available to host international football matches.
Essipong Sports Stadium will face an immediate test when the Black Stars play Somalia in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header.
Ghana are scheduled to host Somalia in the third-round first leg on Thursday, November 12, before travelling for the return fixture on Monday, November 16.
Staging the home match at Essipong will give the stadium the opportunity to host a competitive senior national team fixture while renovation work is still under way.
The government’s wider plans reflect its aim of having at least four venues approved for CAF events, with the refurbishment work set to continue beyond Essipong. While the minister listed several stadiums for attention, he said the immediate priority was to finish the work at the Western Region facility before tackling the others.
The programme would eventually include Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium and Cape Coast Sports Stadium, followed by consideration of the Accra Sports Stadium.
