{
  "id": 17949671,
  "title": "NSA targets five stadia in bid to end venue challenges",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/nsa-targets-five-stadia-in-bid-to-end-venue-challenges",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-03T10:34:43.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/nsa-targets-five-stadia-in-bid-to-end-venue-challenges/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ghana's National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General, Prof. Emmanuel Osei Sarpong, has announced plans to complete renovations on five national stadia to resolve venue issues for upcoming matches. Currently, only the Accra Sports Stadium is approved by CAF for hosting high-profile games, with the Essipong Stadium being the only other viable option in recent years. The Accra stadium last accommodated Ghana's 4-2 loss to The Gambia in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. Sarpong revealed that the agency aims to finish works at Essipong and Accra first, followed by Kumasi's Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Aliu Mahama Stadium in Tamale, and Cape Coast Stadium. He stated that the stadia will be addressed over the next year, eliminating venue problems. Recently, Essipong Stadium saw its first competitive match in seven years as the Black Queens scored seven goals against Mauritius on October 13. It remains uncertain which venue will host Ghana's next AFCON qualifier against Somalia, with Accra and Essipong being the top contenders.",
  "summary": "Acting Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Prof. Emmanuel Osei Sarpong, is promising the overall completion of works on five national stadia to end the “problems of venues” for games.",
  "key_points": [
    "Ghana's NSA plans to renovate five national stadia by year-end.",
    "Accra Sports Stadium is currently the only CAF-approved venue.",
    "Essipong Stadium hosted Black Queens' first competitive match in seven years on October 13."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Upgrading these five key facilities expands Ghana's capacity to host international fixtures and reduces the heavy reliance on the Accra Sports Stadium to meet continental requirements.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}