Baba Yara Sports Stadium: Explore the Celebrated Landmark in Kumasi

Have you ever wondered where some of Ghana’s most iconic sports moments have taken place?

If you’re visiting Kumasi or live nearby, there’s one place you should know: Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

Baba Yara Stadium is part of Kumasi’s heartbeat, with a history that ties into both local pride and national unity.

Let’s walk through what makes this stadium more than just seats and grass.

The Meaning Behind the Name

The stadium is named after Baba Yara (real name Osman Seidu), one of Ghana’s most legendary footballers.

Born in 1936 in Kumasi, he earned the nickname “King of Wingers” for his speed, sharp dribbling, and consistent goal scoring.

He began his career with Asante Kotoko and later played for the Real Republicans.

He also starred for the Black Stars from 1955 to 1963, scoring 51 goals in 49 appearances, an exceptional record for any player, especially a winger.

In 1963, his career was cut short after a tragic car accident left him paralyzed at the age of 26. He passed away in 1969 at just 33 years old.

The stadium was officially renamed in his honor in 2005, not only to recognize his skill, but to remember the lasting mark he left on Ghanaian football.

Quick Facts About Baba Yara Stadium

• Location: Right in Kumasi, Ashanti Region
• Opened: 1959 (original construction began in 1957)
• Current Seating Capacity: About 40,528
• Main Users: Asante Kotoko, Ghana Black Stars
• Status: Ghana’s largest stadium and the country’s only FIFA-accredited venue

What Makes It Special

This stadium is more than a venue for sports. It brings people together. On match days, the energy is electric.

But even outside of football, Baba Yara hosts concerts, community events, school sports, and large gatherings.

If you’re there during a Black Stars match, expect a crowd that shakes the whole city.

Local derbies, such as Kotoko against King Faisal, another Kumasi-based football club, turn the city into a sea of jerseys and cheers.

Stadium Features and Facilities

• Grass Pitch: Meets international football standards
• VIP & Corporate Seating: For special guests and dignitaries
• Floodlights & Security Systems: Upgraded in recent renovations
• Multipurpose Use: Perfect for cultural festivals, school events, and concerts. Big-name artists and local musicians have performed here, making it a true hub of entertainment.

How to Visit Baba Yara Stadium

Even if you’re not a huge sports fan, visiting the stadium can still be worth it. Here’s what you need to know:

Ticket Sales: Tickets are sold at the stadium and through Kotoko’s official partners on matchdays. According to Asante Kotoko’s website, there are no season tickets yet, but plans are in the works.

Current ticket prices (subject to change):
• VIP – GHS 100
• Wings – GHS 50
• Centerline – GHS 40
• Popular Stand – GHS 30

• Best Time to Visit: Match days offer the full stadium experience, complete with cheers, food vendors, and a lively crowd. For first-time visitors, weekend matches or afternoon events are usually more relaxed and easier to navigate. If you prefer a quieter visit, check with local guides or stadium staff about access when no event is scheduled. The dry season (December to March) is ideal for outdoor visits without the chance of rain disrupting your plans.
• Getting There: The stadium is located near the city center. You can take a taxi, trotro, or ride-hailing apps like Bolt. Landmarks like Kejetia Market or Kumasi Central Mosque are nearby.
• Guided Tours: No official tour program is listed online at this time. However, you may be able to visit the stadium during off-hours or speak with local staff about access, especially if no event is scheduled. It’s best to ask locally or through a trusted guide in Kumasi.
• Family-Friendly Tip: The stadium is a great spot for families, especially during daytime matches or school sports festivals. The wide-open space, organized seating, and lively atmosphere make it a safe and exciting experience for all ages. Please check the event type in advance and arrive early for the best experience.

Nearby Places to Explore

If you’re planning a visit, you can make a day of it. Here are some nearby spots:

• Kejetia Market: One of West Africa’s largest open-air markets
• Manhyia Palace Museum: For a deeper look into Ashanti royal history
• Rattray Park: A calm green space for relaxing with family
• Asafo Interchange Food Joints: Grab a local meal before or after your visit

Stadium Timeline and Milestones

The stadium’s journey has had its ups and downs. Here’s a quick timeline:

• 1957–1959: Built by the United African Company
• 1971 & 1977: Early upgrades and new stands
• 2005: Renamed in honor of Baba Yara
• 2008: Major renovations for AFCON: pitch, floodlights, VIP seats
• 2020–2022: New updates to improve infrastructure and safety

Events That Made History

• AFCON Matches (1978, 2000, 2008): Hosted key group matches and semi-finals
• World Cup Qualifiers: Ghana’s most emotional football moments happened here
• School Competitions & Cultural Festivals: Not just for professionals—kids and communities gather here too
• Concerts & Political Rallies: National artists, gospel shows, and local music legends have frequently filled this stadium. It’s one of Kumasi’s go-to spots for big performances.

Recent Stadium Timelines, Challenges, and Renovations

Like many aging structures, Baba Yara Stadium has faced its share of maintenance issues. Over the years, issues such as poor drainage, broken restrooms, damaged floodlights, and outdated infrastructure have affected its ability to host major events.

In September 2024, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) officially withdrew the stadium’s accreditation for international matches. The pitch surface, lighting, and support facilities no longer met required standards. This meant Ghana’s home qualifiers had to be moved to other venues in Accra or abroad.

Repairs began quickly. The National Sports Authority (NSA) announced the stadium was about 70% complete by October 2024, and by November, it was declared usable again for local events. But CAF has not reinstated full approval as of mid-2025.

In July 2025, the government launched a full-scale renovation plan, focusing on:

• Upgraded pitch and drainage
• Improved restrooms and seating
• Reliable public address and lighting systems
• Sustainability features like solar and borehole installations

🗓️ CAF Withdrawal Timeline

• Sept 2024: CAF withdraws accreditation; stadium closed
• Oct 2024: Emergency repairs begin (≈ 70% readiness)
• Nov 2024: NSA declares stadium usable again (local only)
• July 2025: Full-scale renovation plan launched
• Ongoing: Awaiting CAF inspection and re-approval

Until CAF gives the green light, the stadium will continue hosting local matches but not top-tier international fixtures.

Misconceptions: Clearing Up the Confusion

Some people who see Baba Yara Stadium from the outside mistake it for a church, auditorium, or even a convention center.

The design is clean and modern, and depending on where you’re standing, it doesn’t always show just how massive it is inside. From certain angles, the full scale of the stadium isn’t obvious.

But once you walk in, or even get closer to the main stands, it’s clear this is a full-size stadium built for major national events.

Baba Yara is fully dedicated to sports and community life. It’s not just where matches happen. It’s where people gather, celebrate, and share big moments together.

It’s a landmark. A symbol. A shared space where Kumasi’s voice rises loud and proud.

Why the Stadium Still Matters to the Community

Whether you’re there to watch football, enjoy a concert, or just admire the building, Baba Yara Sports Stadium connects generations. It tells stories of dreams, rivalry, unity, and joy.

It’s part of Kumasi’s identity and worth visiting to see what brings people together in everyday life.

“This stadium has a storied history and holds a special place in the hearts of Ghanaians. We are committed to ensuring it meets international standards once again,” – Sports Minister, Hon. Kofi Adams

If you’re in Kumasi, Baba Yara Stadium is worth seeing. Whether there’s a game, an event, or just an open gate, it gives you a feel for the city’s energy and what matters to the people who live there.

Whether you’re going solo, with friends, or with family, it’s the kind of place where you feel part of something bigger, even if just for a moment.

So, what’s your favorite memory of Baba Yara? Or maybe it’s time to make a new one.