The National Sports Authority (NSA) has dismissed allegations of financial impropriety surrounding ongoing maintenance works at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, insisting the exercise forms part of a planned pitch renovation programme ahead of the 2026/27 football season.

The clarification follows the circulation of a viral video showing NSA staff working on the stadium’s playing surface, with accompanying social media comments questioning the condition of the pitch, the maintenance methods employed, and alleging misuse of funds.

In a statement issued by the Ashanti Regional Directorate, the Authority explained that the pitch, which was re-grassed six years ago, has gradually become infested with invasive weeds and undesirable grass species despite periodic weed control efforts.

According to the NSA, the current off-season provides the ideal opportunity to undertake comprehensive renovation works aimed at restoring a healthy, uniform and high-quality natural grass surface before competitive football resumes.

The maintenance programme includes the application of approved selective weedicides to eliminate unwanted weeds, mowing the pitch to the recommended height, manual weed removal, top dressing with carefully selected alluvial sand to improve drainage and surface levels, and the re-establishment of grass in renovated areas through reseeding.

The Authority stressed that these procedures are internationally recognized best practices in natural pitch management and are intentionally carried out during the off-season to allow sufficient recovery time.

The NSA reaffirmed its commitment to providing a safe, durable and high-quality playing surface at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, while rejecting all allegations of financial misconduct linked to the ongoing renovation works.