National Sports Authority Director General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah has admitted Ghana is currently not in a position to host the 2027 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations unless renovation works on the country’s major stadiums begin immediately.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) awarded Ghana the hosting rights for the tournament, which will coincide with the country’s 70th Independence anniversary celebrations. It will be the second time Ghana hosts the competition after staging it in 1999.
The 2027 edition will feature 12 teams, with the top four nations earning qualification to the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Speaking on the state of the country’s sporting infrastructure, Ampofo Ankrah stressed that funding remains the biggest challenge to ensuring Ghana is ready before the tournament.
“If we don’t have funding, whether from corporate bodies, international partnerships or the state, nothing is going to happen. Where we are now, I don’t think we can host the U-20 AFCON unless we start work immediately,” he said.
The former journalist also expressed concern over the condition of Ghana’s stadiums, particularly the Baba Yara Stadium and Ohene Gyan Stadium, insisting the country should have better facilities considering its football history.
“We have been to the World Cup five times, yet we don’t have a standard stadium. That should worry all of us,” he added.
Ampofo Ankrah further disclosed that the NSA is awaiting a technical assessment from a foreign company that recently inspected the facilities.
“As we speak, we are expecting a report from a foreign company that conducted a technical review of the facility. They will determine its current state and advise on whether we need renovations or even a temporary closure, be it for a week, a month, or longer,” he said.
Ghana will now be racing against time to upgrade its sporting infrastructure as preparations gather pace for hosting one of Africa’s biggest youth football tournaments in 2027.
