Board Chairman of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Seth Panwum has said national stadia will now be dedicated solely to sporting events until pitch covers are bought.
Earlier this year, the Baba Yara Sports Stadium was leased for a five-day church event, which resulted in significant damage to the pitch just days before the opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) against Angola.
The Black Stars faced a 1-0 defeat to the Palancras Negras, with many attributing the loss to the poor condition of the field.
Following this, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) revoked the stadium’s license to host Category Three matches.
As a result, Ghana must find an alternative venue for its upcoming match against Sudan, scheduled for next month.
Based on this backdrop, the NSA has resolved not to repeat the mistake.
“We’ve also directed that none of our sporting stadiums should be used for anything other than sporting activities until such time that we can have pitch covers,” Panwum told the Parliamentary Select Committee on Sports.
“It is no news when we go to other countries. Even Wembley is being used for concerts, but they ensure that they protect the pitch grass.
“So as a country, we have to discuss with our Minister of Finance, through our sector minister, to see how urgently they can help. Because we are also mandated to generate revenue, and our gate proceeds are insufficient to support us,” he added.
Meanwhile, Director General of NSA Director General, Dodzie Numekevor has been sacked by President Akufo-Addo following the ban.