He explained that the substantial funds were intended to maintain the pitch and repair any damage to the grass to prevent deterioration.
Panwum mentioned that NSA officials assessed the costs of repairing the pitch while charging church organizers for their events. However, despite these efforts, the pitch could not be maintained in optimal condition.
During a meeting with the Parliamentary Select Committee on Sports on September 25, 2024, a member inquired, “Did you conduct a detailed assessment to foresee the damage that the activities would cause compared to the rental income?”
Panwum responded, “Hon. Chair, based on the briefs I have received, I can confirm that we conducted those checks. We generated GH¢900,000 from renting out the facility [Baba Yara Stadium].”
Additionally, Panwum disclosed that the official who authorized the stadium rental before the Black Stars match without ensuring the pitch’s recovery is facing internal disciplinary action.
This follows the decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to withdraw its conditional approval of the Baba Yara Stadium due to issues like an uneven playing field, poor drainage, and inadequate grass cover.
This decision came after the Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying match between Ghana and Angola on September 5, 2024.
In response, the Ministry of Youth and Sports has instructed the GFA to invite CAF officials to inspect the Accra Sports Stadium and the Legon Stadium to determine if they meet the requirements to host Black Stars games.
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