World football governing body, FIFA, has confirmed that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) received over $260,000 for the maintenance of grass pitches in the country.
In an email to JoySports’ Muftawu Nabila Abdulai, FIFA stated that the funds were allocated for the “installation of boreholes and water tanks” to improve pitch conditions.
A publication on FIFA’s website last week revealed that “FIFA Forward has also contributed to the maintenance of natural grass pitches at 80 venues in Ghana, benefiting Women’s Premier League and regional women’s clubs, as well as the purchase of footballs for youth and regional development.
“This initiative has supported regional women’s teams, where many of the U-20 national players began their careers.”
This revelation has sparked widespread debate, with many questioning the current state of these pitches, none of which seem to be in a suitable condition to host even a Black Star’s training session.
However, FIFA clarified in an email to Muftawu Nabila Abdulai, explaining, “FIFA assisted the GFA in maintaining natural grass pitches at 80 match venues across Ghana. This included the installation of boreholes and water tanks, ensuring that the venues met the minimum club licensing requirements. The total support amounted to $267,273.”
On Tuesday, September 10, 2024, CAF in a letter to the FA prohibited the use of Baba Yara stadium for CAF/FIFA International matches.
“Prohibition of the use of Baba Yara Sports Stadium (Kumasi) for upcoming CAF/FIFA senior international matches,” a portion of the letter sighted by JoySports said.
CAF advised “complete reconstruction” of the playing surface of the stadium.
“The current state of the pitch does not meet the standards required for CAF/FIFA senior international matches, necessitating a complete reconstruction.
“CAF recommends that the relevant authorities conduct a comprehensive assessment of all major international stadiums in Ghana to ensure they comply with CAF technical standards.
“Additionally, we advise that the stadium management engage experienced companies immediately to undertake the necessary refurbishment to meet CAF/FIFA standards. Upon completion of the renovation works, CAF will, at the GFA’s request and expense, conduct an independent inspection to reassess the stadium’s suitability for future matches.”
About three years ago, the Ghana FA, in a statement on its website, announced the approval of the “Ghana Football Association Borehole Project” by FIFA.
The statement mentioned that the GFA Executive Council had decided to invest part of the FIFA Forward 1.0 programme funds to improve the quality of pitches and competitions through the installation of boreholes at game centres across the country.
“The borehole project, once completed, will be used to develop pitches for the Premier League, Division One League, Women’s Premier League, and Game Centres of Regional Football Associations, ensuring year-round use, including during the dry season,” the statement read.
It added that, “The GFA has gone through the various laid down stages to finally receive the green light for the implementation of the project which will consist of 80 boreholes across the country with beneficiaries from the Premier League, Division One League, Women’s Premier League and some Game Centres of Regional Associations.”
It is unclear which of the Premier League and Division One League venues benefited from these funds to improve the pitches as Baba Yara, Accra Sports Stadium, Cape Coast stadium, and many other stadia, which belong to the state and are used by clubs for domestic competitions did not benefit from it.
Also, at these pitches do not have boreholes and water tanks to enhance the condition of the pitches.
At the time these pitches were maintained, the total amount involved was not disclosed, but FIFA has now confirmed that the funding exceeded $260,000.
Despite the investment, the current pitches in the country are not fit for purpose.