The Ghana Football Association (GFA) Club Licensing Committee has rejected six stadiums following its recent inspection ahead of the resumption of the Ghana Premier League.
Baba Yara Stadium, the home ground of Asante Kotoko, has been declared unfit to host matches due to the lack of a designated safety and security zone, KickoffGhana.com can confirm.
The rejection means Kotoko and other clubs using these venues must resolve the issues within the next few days or face playing home games away from Kumasi.
The University of Ghana Stadium, which has been a temporary home for Hearts of Oak and Legon Cities, has also been rejected due to similar issues. The Club Licensing Committee demands urgent fixes for reconsideration before March 7, 2025.
Golden City Park, Basake AAK Ampanian Stadium in Nzema, and Wenchi Sports Stadium have also been deemed unfit to host any Ghana Premier League games.
Berekum Chelsea, Holy Stars, and Young Apostles must either secure alternative venues or make the necessary safety adjustments to comply with GFA safety rules and regulations.
This development follows the GFA’s Enhanced Matchday Safety and Security Protocols 2025, introduced after extensive consultations with clubs, security agencies, and supporter groups. The heightened scrutiny comes in the wake of the tragic stabbing of Asante Kotoko fan Nana Pooley in Nsoatre last month.
With the Ghana Premier League set to resume this week following a short break, the GFA has made it clear that safety will not be compromised, and strict sanctions will be in place for clubs that fail to adhere to safety measures.
Hearts of Oak are considering moving to Cape Coast Stadium or Sogakope’s WAFA Park, while Legon Cities’ management is also holding meetings to explore the possibility of joining Accra Lions at WAFA Park as their temporary home ground.
Asante Kotoko SC is likely to return to the Obuasi Len Clay Stadium or the Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex in Abrankese.
Amadu Hamidu
