The National Sports Authority (NSA) has outlined plans to renovate Ghana’s five major stadia by the end of 2027, beginning with the Essipong Sports Stadium in Sekondi-Takoradi and the Accra Sports Stadium.
Acting Director-General of the NSA, Prof. Emmanuel Osei Sarpong, announced the phased renovation programme during an interview on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
He said the Authority intended to complete work on the Essipong and Accra stadia before moving to the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, followed by the Aliu Mahama Stadium in Tamale and finally the Cape Coast Stadium.
Prof. Osei Sarpong expressed optimism that the programme would address the country's persistent challenges with securing suitable venues for international football matches.
"We are graduallyThe National Sports Authority (NSA) has outlined plans to renovate Ghana’s five major stadia by the end of 2027, beginning with the Essipong Sports Stadium in Sekondi-Takoradi and the Accra Sports Stadium. fixing the stadia. In the next one year or so, we will not be having problems with venues for our matches," he said.
Under the proposed arrangement, Essipong and Accra will receive the first phase of attention, with the other three facilities scheduled for subsequent renovation.
The renovation plans come amid concerns over the deteriorating condition of Ghana's major sporting facilities and restrictions on their use for international competitions.
The Accra Sports Stadium remains the country's only facility with conditional approval to host international matches, despite concerns about the deterioration of its metal structures and damage to its floodlights following a rainstorm in April.
Essipong, which recently returned to international football after seven years of inactivity, also has conditional FIFA and CAF approval. Although its roof and seats have been replaced, further work is required to secure full CAF certification.
The Baba Yara Sports Stadium has lost its CAF licence to host international matches, while the Cape Coast Stadium has also suffered years of neglect. The Aliu Mahama Stadium in Tamale is fourth on the NSA's renovation priority list.
The programme is expected to improve the availability and standard of facilities for domestic and international competitions, particularly as Ghana continues to face difficulties securing CAF-approved venues.
Meanwhile, the venue for Ghana's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Somalia remains undecided. Both matches are scheduled to be played in Ghana after CAF failed to approve a stadium in Somalia.
The Ghana Football Association has proposed Essipong, while the NSA's official correspondence has indicated Accra as the preferred venue.
The NSA has, however, not disclosed the estimated cost of the renovation programme or its funding arrangements.
