President John Mahama has revealed plans for the construction of seven new stadia across Ghana in 2026, as part of efforts to improve infrastructure and raise the standard of domestic football.
The President made the announcement on Saturday during a meeting at the Jubilee House with officials of Bibiani GoldStars and Asante Kotoko, who are currently representing Ghana in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup.
“The Finance Minister is going to present the budget in November, and I was telling the Sports Minister and Director-General of the National Sports Authority that next year we are going to build about seven brand new stadia,” Mahama said.
“We want every region to have a stadium fit for purpose so that we can improve playing conditions and make our football more competitive.”
Ghana’s lack of modern sports facilities has long been a concern. The Accra Sports Stadium remains the only venue meeting international requirements, serving as the home ground for both GoldStars and Kotoko in their continental campaigns, as well as recent Black Stars matches.
Other venues, including the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, Aliu Mahama Stadium in Tamale, and the Sekondi Essipong Stadium, refurbished for the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations, have since deteriorated, with Essipong described as being in the most dire condition.
The Cape Coast Stadium, commissioned in 2016, has also seen a significant decline in recent years.
