Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, has defended the manual weed-clearing exercise at Kumasi’s Baba Yara Stadium, insisting that what matters most is the final outcome rather than the method used.

His comments come after a viral video showed workers on their hands and knees pulling weeds from the pitch, sparking public debate about why more modern equipment had not been deployed. Speaking to the media, Ankrah explained that the current exercise is part of a broader rehabilitation plan that includes mowing to root level, raking and removing debris to bring the turf back to standard.

''This is not just about aesthetics; it is about restoring playability,” he said, stressing that the stadium had deteriorated to a point where even local colts football could not be hosted safely. He acknowledged the sight of manual labour looked unusual but said the urgency of the situation demanded immediate action while longer-term solutions are being prepared.

Ankrah also highlighted the collaborative effort behind the ongoing works, praising the Ashanti regional NSA leadership, the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly and Asante Kotoko for their support in mobilizing resources and manpower. He noted that Kotoko had even stepped in to cover allowances for Ghana national fire service personnel who worked overnight to water the pitch during critical stages of the rehabilitation.

Looking ahead, the NSA chief said the focus is on ensuring the entire Baba Yara facility, not just one section, meets international standards for competitive football. “We must fix Baba Yara once and for all,” he added, warning against band-aid fixes and calling for sustained investment in maintenance and infrastructure.

For now, the message from the sports authority is clear. The method may be unconventional, but the priority is a pitch that can again host top-level matches reliably.

By: Addy Kennedy Edem