Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, has rejected claims that he is the worst Sports Minister, citing a lack of data to support such assertions. Hon. Ussif made these comments when he was hauled before the Parliamentary Select Committee on Sports, Culture, and Tourism, where concerns were raised about Ghana’s contingent spending $3 million at the 2023 AFCON despite the Black Stars’ group-stage elimination.
The Sports Minister also addressed the recent ban of the Baba Yara Stadium by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) due to its poor condition, particularly the pitch. In response to criticisms, Hon. Ussif emphasized that Ghana does have FIFA-standard pitches in Cape Coast, Accra, and Kumasi, contrary to popular claims.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is also racing against time to secure a venue for the Black Stars’ next home game following CAF’s withdrawal of conditional approval for the Baba Yara Stadium. The National Sports Authority (NSA) has closed down the Accra Sports Stadium, Cape Coast Stadium, and Baba Yara for maintenance. Hon. Ussif revealed that the Sports Ministry directed GFA to request CAF’s inspection, but CAF has yet to respond.
With Ghana’s next match against Sudan scheduled for October 11, 2024, in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, concerns are rising that the country may host its next home match abroad due to the lack of CAF-approved stadiums.
