Navrongo COS Park crisis puts Liberty Stars’ home games in doubt
Navrongo Liberty Stars are facing uncertainty over their home venue for the 2026 Regional Division Two League as the COS Park remains occupied by a foodstuff market.
The Manager and Head Coach of Navrongo Liberty Stars, Cherry Azanlerigu, popularly known as Town Puller, says he is hopeful of securing an alternative venue for the club if the Technical Team of the Upper East Regional Football Association (RFA) does not approve the COS Park as its home ground for the 2026 Regional Division Two League.
The COS Park, which has traditionally served as a major football facility in the Kassena-Nankana Municipality, is currently being used as a foodstuff market following the relocation of traders there by the Kassena-Nankana Municipal Assembly.
The relocation forms part of plans to redevelop the facility into a 24-hour economy model market.
The development has, however, made it difficult for Navrongo Liberty Stars to train and adequately prepare for the upcoming league season.
Speaking about the situation, Coach Cherry expressed concern that the continued use of the facility as a market could negatively affect football development in the municipality.
According to him, the COS Park is no longer suitable for football activities, a situation he fears could gradually undermine the development of the sport in the area.
“The COS Park is no more a ground for football, and this can lead to football dying in the municipality.”
“It is the only central field for football, but the Assembly has decided to look the other way, forgetting the benefits that sports bring to the community.”
Coach Cherry described the Assembly’s decision as unfortunate, stressing the need for the municipality to protect and develop sporting facilities to promote football and other sporting activities.
He said the club would be compelled to look elsewhere for a home venue if the COS Park is not approved for the upcoming season.
“I pray and hope I get a reserved venue somewhere.”
Coach Cherry, however, expressed optimism that the situation would eventually improve and that the municipality would construct a dedicated football facility.
“The decision taken by the Assembly is not the best, honestly. We only hope and pray that we can construct our own field where we can have independent and good football.”
With the 2026 Regional Division Two League scheduled to commence in October, Navrongo Liberty Stars are hoping to secure a suitable home venue in time for the start of the competition.
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