The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is pleased to announce that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has granted Category 2 approval to TnA Stadium following a comprehensive inspection conducted by CAF Experts.
The approval represents a significant achievement for Ghana football and reinforces the country's continued commitment to improving football infrastructure in line with latest CAF Stadium Regulations.
It also reflects the collaborative efforts of the Ghana Football Association, Medeama Sporting Club, stadium management and other key stakeholders who have worked diligently to upgrade the facility to meet continental standards.
With the Category 2 approval, TnA Stadium is eligible to host CAF Youth and Women's National Team qualifying matches, as well as Preliminary Round fixtures of CAF Interclub competitions.
However, the hosting of these matches remains subject to CAF's prior confirmation in accordance with its competition regulations.
The CAF's approval address to General Secretary, Prosper Harrison Addo is subject to a number of conditions aimed at ensuring the safety, comfort and overall matchday experience of players, officials, spectators and other stakeholders.
As part of these conditions, the stadium's approved seating capacity must be revised by excluding a few seats with obstructed view resulting from the structural columns supporting the roof.
This adjustment will ensure that all spectators have clear visibility of the field of play during matches.
In addition, CAF has directed that the few minor deficiencies and corrective measures identified in the Technical Inspection Report be fully addressed before the stadium hosts its next CAF competition match.
The required improvements are expected to be completed within the timelines agreed by GFA with CAF to ensure full compliance with the governing body's infrastructure standards.
To further assess the venue under actual match conditions, CAF will appoint a Stadium Infrastructure Inspector to attend a designated fixture.
The Inspector will evaluate the stadium's operations before, during and after the match, with particular attention to infrastructure functionality, safety and security arrangements, spectator management, media operations, broadcasting requirements and the overall implementation of CAF's Stadium Regulations.
CAF has further indicated that its final decision regarding TnA Stadium's approval to host future CAF and FIFA competitions will be taken after reviewing the Inspector's Report and confirming that all outstanding corrective measures have been satisfactorily implemented.
The Ghana Football Association welcomes CAF's decision and views the approval as another important step in enhancing Ghana's capacity to host international football matches.
The Football Association remains committed to working closely with Medeama Sporting Club, the stadium management and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that every outstanding observations are addressed promptly and effectively.
The GFA expresses its appreciation to CAF for its continued guidance and technical support throughout the inspection and approval process and remains committed to ensuring that Ghana's football infrastructure continues to meet the highest continental and international standards.
The reconstructed Tarkwa and Aboso Stadium stands as one of the most significant private-sector investments in Ghana's sporting infrastructure. Financed by the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation at a cost of over US$16. million and officially handed over in August 2024, the state-of-the-art facility is a lasting legacy of Gold Fields' unwavering commitment to community development and football.
The project has now opened the door for continental football to be played in Tarkwa for the first time in history, creating new opportunities for the region while cementing Gold Fields' contribution to the growth and development of Ghanaian football.
GFA Communications