The Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, has admitted that Ghana currently does not have a venue that meets the requirements to host the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Ghana is set to host the U-20 AFCON for the second time in the country’s history in 2027, 28 years after first hosting the tournament in 1999. The competition will coincide with Ghana’s 70th Independence Anniversary.
Speaking on Ghana’s preparedness to host the tournament, the NSA boss acknowledged that significant work remains to be done to bring the country’s sporting infrastructure up to the standards required by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
“As of today, we can’t play the (U-20) AFCON in any of our venues, but we can prepare if we put things in place,” he said.
According to him, funding will be crucial to Ghana’s ability to undertake the necessary improvements, with CAF’s infrastructure requirements expected to guide the upgrading process.
“Obviously, it’s all about funding, and it’s about improving the structures that CAF would want to have in place,” he added.
The NSA boss also said efforts are underway to improve the country’s sports facilities, including playing surfaces, but acknowledged that the process would require adequate time and resources.
He further explained that a clear roadmap would be developed once CAF gives Ghana the final approval to host the tournament, with the NSA hopeful of meeting the required deadlines.
“At this moment, we’re in transition to trying to improve our venues, including the grass. So, we need time to prepare for that. And once the final green light comes from CAF, the roadmap would be put in place, and hopefully, we’ll be able to beat certain deadlines to host the tournament,” the NSA boss concluded.
