A wave of concern has swept through Ghana’s football community following the deployment of personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) to water the football pitch at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
The unconventional method—using fire hoses instead of professional sprinklers—has drawn criticism from experts and stakeholders, who warn it could cause long-term damage to the turf.
As the club is unwilling to gamble with the CAF inspection standards, it independently launched a swift overhaul of the pitch.
This includes engaging Kumasi Technical Institute to reconstruct reserve benches and contracting personnel from the GNFS to water the pitch, due to the absence of essential logistics.
The move has triggered outrage among seasoned football analysts and fans.
Mr Frederick Acheampong, an Executive Committee Member of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), said the practice was technically flawed and below standards required.
Speaking on a local radio station here, he emphasised that a football pitch was a delicate surface requiring precision irrigation. He warned that using fire hoses could lead to uneven watering, soil erosion, and damage to the grass roots.
The Baba Yara Stadium, one of Ghana’s premier sporting venues, has hosted countless high-profile matches, including international fixtures. Its maintenance is crucial not only for players’ safety but also for preserving the integrity of the game.
Critics argue that while the fire service’s support is well-intentioned, the situation reflects a lack of coordination and professionalism in stadium management.
A local groundskeeper familiar with FIFA standards noted that sprinkler systems are designed to distribute water evenly and gently, which is essential for maintaining pitch quality.
With Kotoko and Bibiani Gold Stars preparing to play their CAF Confederation Cup matches at the stadium, the lack of urgency and coordination has raised serious questions.
However, the Ashanti Regional Public Relations Officer of the NSA, Patience Sharon Adams Mensah, has debunked the notion that Kotoko was financing the renovation.
She clarified that the cost of pitch maintenance was being borne by the NSA.
“Kotoko’s role was limited to offering an honorarium to the Ghana National Fire Service for their assistance.
“The NSA is covering the cost of watering and sea sand for top dressing. Due to a malfunctioning water pump, the fire service was called in to help ensure efficient watering while the sprinkler system remains inactive,” she emphasised.
“The watering initiative was led by Madam Hannah from the KNUST Horticulture Department, and the NSA is following a guided plan to ensure the pitch was ready in time for CAF inspection”, she added.
The PRO assured the public that the pitch would be ready for use and urged fans to exercise patience. The priority, she emphasised, “is to deliver a playable surface that meets international standards and supports Ghana’s ambitions on the continental stage.”
FROM KINGSLEY E. HOPE, KUMASI