Ghana's sports authority vows the Accra Sports Stadium turf stays untouched at the NSPPD gathering, days before the Black Stars' AFCON 2027 qualifier.
Ghana's AFCON 2027 qualifying push has an unusual off-field storyline: the National Sports Authority says it will shield the Accra Sports Stadium pitch from a massive prayer gathering led by Nigerian pastor Jerry Eze. The New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declarations (NSPPD) programme is set for November 7, and the Black Stars have a home qualifier against Somalia on the horizon.
Acting NSA Director-General Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong has moved to calm public fears. He says organisers will be confined to a designated part of the stadium, with barricades erected to keep worshippers off the grass. According to him, the playing surface is completely off limits, and nobody will be allowed to walk on it.
The event has drawn scrutiny because of its timing so close to an international fixture, with many fans and observers worried about damage to a pitch that has already faced questions over its condition. Prof Sarpong insists the safeguards are strict and that the turf will be guarded throughout.
Behind the scenes, a phased pitch recovery programme is already underway, including fertilising, watering and mowing to bring the surface back to match standard. For Ghana, the stakes go beyond one prayer meeting: it is a test of how well the country protects and manages its key football infrastructure when the Black Stars need a proper home surface to chase qualification.
