Sarkodie barred from using Baba Yara pitch for Rapaholic – NSA warns of penalties

The National Sports Authority (NSA) has warned that Sarkodie will not be allowed to host his Rapaholic concert on the football pitch of the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.

Director-General of the NSA, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, said the pitch is strictly reserved for football and other sports activities.

He warned that any unauthorized use of the field during the concert would attract serious penalties, including heavy compensation.

Mr. Ankrah explained that while the Baba Yara Stadium has been approved as the venue, Sarkodie’s stage and sound systems will be positioned behind the goalpost to protect the playing surface.

He said all measures have been put in place to ensure the pitch is not damaged.

He further disclosed that the NSA is in the process of acquiring pitch covers to make it easier to host non-sporting events without compromising the playing field.

The NSA boss also revealed that several churches and organizations had offered as much as GHS 300,000 to use the pitch, but the requests were rejected. According to him, protecting the grounds for domestic and international football is a top priority.

Mr. Ankrah stressed that although the Authority permits the use of stadium facilities for events, the football pitch itself cannot be used for performances or entertainment.

He concluded that if any condition is breached during Sarkodie’s concert, strict sanctions will follow.

By: Jacob Aggrey