Spectators will now be required to pay for the game between the Black Stars and the Cranes since the government had reversed its earlier decision to open the gates for free

The Ghana – Uganda 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier is no more free, according to the National Sports Authority (NSA).

The Ministry of Sports had earlier directed that the gates of the Baba Yara Sports Stadium be opened free to the public to appease disgruntled fans who have vowed never to attend the game in Kumasi.

However, an official statement from the NSA said: “Due to security concerns, national security has advised that it would not be prudent to play the game on free gate basis as earlier announced in response to pleas from some supporters of the Black Stars.”

“Moreover, this decision has not been in prior consultation with international football governing bodies. Consequently, the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the National Sports Authority thereby reverse the earlier decision to offer free gate to spectators,” the statement signed by the regional director general Joe Kpenge said.

In order to encourage fans to be present at the stadium, the original rates for the match have been reduced. “The new rates for the match will now be: GhC20 instead of GhC30, GhC5 instead of 10 and GhC 2 instead of GhC 5.”

It concluded: “The Ministry and National Sports Authority sincerely apologise to the loyal fans of the Black Stars and spectators in Kumasi and elsewhere and appeal to them to come to the stadium in their numbers to cheer their Black Stars to victory.”