John Mahama slams Akufo-Addo government after CAF rejects Baba Yara Stadium for International matches
Former President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, has sharply criticized the sitting President, Nana Akufo-Addo, following the Ghana FA’s announcement that CAF has rejected the Baba Yara Stadium due to its poor condition.The stadium, located in Kumasi, has been the primary venue for the Black Stars, serving as the only stadium up to standard, given the deteriorating state of other sports facilities in the country.However, after Ghanas 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Angola, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) ruled the stadium unfit for future matches, a decision that many local football fans agree with, admitting the venues inadequacies.In response to the situation, President Nana Akufo-Addo has called for the dismissal of the National Sports Authority (NSA) boss, Dodzie Numekevor.Weighing in on the matter, John Mahama, who is set to lead the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the upcoming General Election, expressed his disappointment in the governments handling of sports infrastructure. He remarked that it was a national embarrassment for a country with Ghanas football pedigree to be in such a situation.”This is the first time in history that CAF is saying Ghana does not have an approved stadium to host a Category Three match,” Mahama said. “And yet, they still want us to applaud them for their so-called achievements.”He also criticized the government for allegedly mismanaging funds. “They spent over 85 million Ghana cedis on stadium rehabilitation, only for those funds to be shared and misused. Some of these issues, when you hear them, are shocking,” he added.With the CAF ruling, the Black Stars will need to seek neutral grounds in Nigeria or Cte d’Ivoire for their upcoming home game against Sudan during the October international break.In the aftermath of the decision, President Akufo-Addo has reportedly relieved Dodzie Numekevor, Director General of the National Sports Authority, of his duties.
