Air carrier Captain reported stopping pushback when they were unsure of the location of another aircraft taxiing to a nearby gate. Reporter stated use of the ramp frequency to communicate intentions was not successful and recommended hiring a Ramp Controller to coordinate aircraft movement.

Narrative

We were pushing off [Gate] X in BNA and called on the 'Ramp' frequency per procedures; because this is where we should have critical flight procedures; no answer (as usual) since there is not an actual Ramp Controller. No one answered; we pushed; another aircraft was trying to taxi into [Gate] Y; our tug stopped; unsure of where the other aircraft was headed; finally we figured out what was going on; we were waiting for him and he was waiting for us. We ended up pushing very deep to give him room. It all worked out fine but BNA still needs a Ramp Controller. I sent in at least one other report; maybe two; over the past couple of years. This situation with the BNA ramp is unsatisfactory and will cause bent metal (I think it already has; maybe more than once). How many multi-million dollar wing-to-wing or winglet-to-tail or airplane-to airplane collisions are we going to accept before we realize that it's cheaper and SAFER to hire a Ramp Controller. The airport needs to do it; and NOW. Having Pilots trying to coordinate ourselves without having any bird's eye view or big picture is a recipe for accidents. It's so obvious and easy that we've got several different notes on the airport procedures. It's ridiculous and someone in safety needs to throw down the gauntlet with upper management or Airport Manager. That ramp is too congested and we've got too many daily aircraft movements back there to keep half-jobbing this thing. There's a reason that we don't just fire all the Ramp Controllers all over the country; because they keep aircraft moving and safe; BNA needs to realize this and act like it is a real airport; and stop acting like it is ZZZ airport or ZZZ1 airport. BNA needs a Ramp Controller; and they needed it a year ago; and will need it a year from now.