CAF grants Category 2 approval to Tarkwa’s TnA Stadium
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has granted Category 2 approval to Tarkwa’s TnA Stadium following a comprehensive infrastructure inspection, paving the way for the venue to host selected continental matches.
The approval marks a significant milestone for Ghana’s football infrastructure and reflects ongoing efforts by the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Medeama Sporting Club, the stadium’s management and other stakeholders to bring the facility in line with CAF Stadium Regulations.
Under the Category 2 classification, the stadium is eligible to host CAF youth and women’s national team qualifying matches, as well as preliminary-round fixtures in CAF inter-club competitions. However, each match will still require CAF’s approval in accordance with its competition regulations.
In a letter addressed to GFA General Secretary Prosper Harrison Addo, CAF said the approval is subject to several conditions aimed at maintaining safety standards and improving the overall matchday experience.
Among the requirements is a reduction in the stadium’s approved seating capacity by removing seats with obstructed views caused by roof-supporting structural columns, ensuring all spectators have an unobstructed view of the pitch.
CAF also instructed that a number of minor deficiencies identified during the technical inspection be rectified before the stadium stages its next continental fixture. The GFA has agreed to complete the required improvements within timelines set with the continental governing body.
As part of the approval process, CAF will appoint a Stadium Infrastructure Inspector to observe a designated match at the venue. The inspection will assess stadium operations before, during and after the game, including infrastructure functionality, safety and security measures, crowd management, media operations, broadcasting facilities and compliance with CAF’s stadium regulations.
CAF said a final decision on the stadium’s eligibility to host future CAF and FIFA competitions will be made after reviewing the inspector’s report and confirming that all outstanding corrective measures have been implemented.
The GFA welcomed the approval, describing it as another important step in strengthening Ghana’s capacity to host international football matches.
“The Association remains committed to working closely with Medeama Sporting Club, the stadium management and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the remaining observations are addressed promptly and that the facility continues to meet CAF’s infrastructure standards,” the GFA said.
The reconstructed Tarkwa and Aboso Stadium, widely known as TnA Stadium, is one of Ghana’s most significant privately funded sporting infrastructure projects. Financed by the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation at a cost of more than US$16 million and officially handed over in August 2024, the modern facility is expected to bring CAF competition matches to Tarkwa for the first time while expanding football opportunities in the Western Region.
The approval represents another boost for Ghana’s efforts to improve its football infrastructure and increase the number of venues capable of hosting continental competitions.
