The Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, has declared that the Accra Sports Stadium will be temporarily closed to all activities to facilitate ongoing renovation efforts.
This decision comes in light of comments made by the Sports Minister, who stated that the stadium would be shut down following Ghana’s home match against Chad in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
Ampofo Ankrah noted that the closure is necessary as his team conducts an assessment of the stadium’s condition, which was prompted by a security briefing and technical evaluations.
The need for this review arose from recent incidents involving fan breaches, including a situation where the upper terrace near Independence Square—previously designated as off-limits—was opened to the public.
He stressed that no official activities will occur at the stadium until the comprehensive review is completed and the recommendations are put into action.
The NSA leader also mentioned that consultations with experts are underway to define the scope of required work, which will include audits of the physical structure as well as architectural and engineering evaluations.
The objective, he stated, is to develop a plan that ensures safety, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.
The Accra Sports Stadium, once a vibrant venue for Premier League teams such as Hearts of Oak and Great Olympics, along with national team events, has faced increasing scrutiny in recent months due to declining facilities, outdated infrastructure, and safety issues.
Concerns regarding leaking roofs, poor pitch conditions, and inadequate spectator safety measures have alarmed clubs, fans, and regulatory authorities.
Consequently, key stakeholders—including the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports—are now awaiting a conclusive plan for the stadium’s rehabilitation, as the long-term viability of the venue remains uncertain.
