Accra: The Baba Yara Sports Stadium pitch drew public criticism during the 2026 Democracy Cup game between Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak on August 29, 2026. Observers noted several patchy sections of the field, which impacted ball movement and disrupted the overall flow of the game, raising widespread concern.
According to Ghana Web, a closer examination of the pitch revealed brownish areas, suggesting that the grass had not been fully installed or grown to the necessary standards required for international competitions. The Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, shared a video that showed individuals clearing weeds from the pitch, paving the way for further installation efforts.
Many had anticipated that the pitch would be ready for the Democracy Cup; however, ongoing renovation work aims to restore the field to optimal condition. In response to the backlash, Ampofo Ankrah acknowledged that the stadium pitch was not prepared for the Democracy Cup, highlighting that efforts are underway to address the issues.
He assured that the target completion date aligns with Asante Kotoko's opening game against Hearts of Lions in the Ghana Premier League. Despite this assurance, stakeholders have urged the NSA to accelerate renovation works to ensure the stadium meets requirements ahead of the upcoming 2027 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.