Baba Rahman Condemns Ghana’s Pitch Conditions, Calls Situation a National Disgrace

Black Stars defender Baba Rahman has openly criticised the poor state of football pitches in Ghana, calling the situation a “national disgrace” that requires urgent intervention from sports authorities.

Rahman’s comments follow public backlash over the 2025 MTN FA Cup final, which was held at the University of Ghana Stadium. The venue came under fire for its uneven and poorly maintained playing surface, drawing renewed attention to the deteriorating standards of football infrastructure across the country.

Speaking to Joy Sports, Rahman did not hold back in expressing his frustration. “This is a serious issue that needs urgent attention,” he said. “I’m pleading with those in charge — let’s at least ensure that the national team has a proper pitch to play on. Sometimes it’s really embarrassing.”

The left-back, who currently plays for PAOK in Greece, shared that the pitch conditions are not only detrimental to player performance but also harm Ghana’s footballing reputation both domestically and abroad. According to Rahman, returning to his club after international duty often comes with uncomfortable conversations.

“You go back to your club after national duty, and your teammates laugh at you — they mock the country because of the pitches we play on,” he explained. “It’s honestly a national disgrace.”

The issue of inadequate pitch maintenance has persisted for years and was one of the contributing factors to the temporary stadium ban imposed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) last year. Although the ban was later lifted, Rahman believes the underlying problems remain largely unaddressed.

While acknowledging that weather conditions can make pitch upkeep challenging, Rahman stressed that this should not serve as an excuse for inaction. “I understand the weather makes it difficult, but we still need to make the effort,” he said. “Improving our pitches will benefit everyone — from the junior teams to the women’s sides, and of course, the senior national team.”

His comments echo the sentiments of many stakeholders and fans who have long called for meaningful investment in Ghana’s sports infrastructure. The poor state of football pitches not only affects the quality of play but also discourages talent development and undermines the country’s legacy as a powerhouse in African football.

As criticism mounts, attention now turns to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports to take tangible steps towards rehabilitating existing facilities and enforcing higher maintenance standards across all levels of the game.

With a growing chorus of voices demanding change, Baba Rahman’s remarks serve as a powerful reminder that Ghana’s football ambitions must be matched by proper infrastructure and leadership commitment.