Yaw Ampofo Ankrah
National Sports Authority (NSA) Director General, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah has admitted that Ghana currently lacks a stadium that meets the requirements to host the 2027 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Ghana is scheduled to host the tournament for only the second time, 28 years after staging the competition in 1999.
The 2027 edition will also form part of celebrations marking Ghana’s 70th Independence Anniversary.
Speaking about the country’s preparations, Ampofo Ankrah acknowledged that major upgrades are needed across Ghana’s sporting infrastructure to meet the Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards.
“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.
He identified funding as a key factor in Ghana’s preparations, explaining that CAF’s infrastructure requirements would determine the improvements needed at the various venues.
The NSA chief added that work is already being considered to improve facilities, including playing surfaces, but stressed that the process would require sufficient time and resources.
He said a detailed roadmap would be developed once CAF gives the final approval for Ghana to host the tournament, with the NSA confident that the necessary upgrades can be completed within the required timeframe.
“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,” he added.
BY Wletsu Ransford
