According to a report by Citi FM on Tuesday October 20, 2026, the National Sports Authority (NSA) is working to secure full certification from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for the Essipong Sports Stadium to host Ghana’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying fixture against Somalia.

The move is part of efforts to expand Ghana’s options for hosting international football matches while easing pressure on the Accra Sports Stadium, which requires maintenance and renovation works.

Acting Director-General of the NSA, Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong, disclosed that Essipong was among five major stadiums the authority was considering for international football, alongside facilities in Kumasi, Cape Coast, Tamale and Accra.

“One of the plans is that we have Essipong Sports Stadium, Kumasi Sports Stadium, Cape Coast, Tamale and Accra.

These are five we have, and currently, Accra is certified. Fortunately for us, we got Essipong temporarily certified,” he said.

The authority is hoping to build on the temporary approval by meeting the remaining requirements for full certification.

Professor Osei Sarpong revealed that the NSA was exploring the possibility of staging Somalia’s home fixture against Ghana at Essipong in November.

Somalia has been unable to secure an approved home venue and has been permitted to use the Accra Sports Stadium for its home matches.

“We were trying to see if we could play one of them, especially the home match for Somalia at the Essipong Sports Stadium. It will be their home game. So it will really not affect us, so that at least Accra Sports Stadium will also have time to breathe,” he added.

Essipong recently received temporary approval to host the Black Queens’ international match against Mauritius on October 13, marking progress in efforts to restore the facility’s status as an international football venue.

Meanwhile, the NSA is also addressing infrastructure challenges at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, particularly its dressing rooms.

Full CAF certification for Essipong would provide Ghana with another potential venue for international fixtures. However, the stadium’s availability for the November qualifier will depend on whether the outstanding requirements are met and final approval is granted.