President John Mahama promises seven new stadia in 2026

Ghana will construct seven new stadia in 2026 as part of efforts to make the country’s football more competitive, President John Mahama has announced.

The President made this known during a meeting with management of Bibiani GoldStars and Asante Kotoko at the Jubilee House on Saturday. GoldStars and Kotoko are representing Ghana in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup, respectively.

Mahama’s revelation comes at a time when Ghana faces an acute shortage of proper sporting infrastructure. At present, only the Accra Sports Stadium meets international standards, serving as the home ground for both GoldStars and Kotoko in their continental campaigns, as well as recent Black Stars fixtures.

“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, drawing applause. “We want every region to have a stadium fit for purpose so that we can improve playing conditions and make our football more competitive.”

 

"Next year, seven new stadia will be built" - President John Dramani Mahama.

Addressing officials from Bibiani GoldStars and Kumasi Asante Kotoko at the Jubilee House. #CitiSports pic.twitter.com/qtMTBQTntd

— Citi Sports (@CitiSportsGHA) September 20, 2025

Stadia such as Baba Yara, Aliu Mahama and Sekondi Essipong, all upgraded for the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations, have deteriorated significantly, with Essipong in the worst state. The Cape Coast Stadium, commissioned in 2016, has also fallen into poor condition.

While Mahama’s pledge may be welcomed, critics warn that without a clear maintenance plan, Ghana risks repeating past mistakes and facing another costly rebuilding effort years down the line.

By Enoch Fiifi Forson

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