The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to hosting the 2027 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations in March, insisting that plans remain on course despite concerns over the preparedness of sporting facilities.
GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum says Ghana remains confident of successfully organising the continental tournament, dismissing suggestions that the country’s hosting plans have changed.
Speaking to MAX FM, Asante Twum maintained that the GFA remains committed to delivering the competition as scheduled.
“We will host the 2027 AFCON in March. Nothing has changed, and we still have what it takes to host the tournament,” he said.
His assurance comes amid questions about Ghana’s readiness, particularly the condition of proposed match venues and the progress of infrastructure improvements ahead of the competition.
Accra Sports Stadium is currently understood to be the only venue certified for Confederation of African Football (CAF) competitions, while other facilities being considered for the tournament have come under scrutiny over their readiness.
Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi and Cape Coast Sports Stadium are among the venues facing questions as attention turns to the upgrades required to meet CAF’s standards.
With the tournament scheduled for March 2027, concerns remain over whether the necessary work can be completed in time to ensure that the facilities are suitable for hosting teams, officials and supporters from across the continent.
However, Asante Twum has defended the decision by GFA President Kurt Okraku to bring junior international tournaments to Ghana, arguing that hosting such competitions is an important part of developing the country’s football.
According to him, Ghana must be willing to organise international tournaments if it hopes to improve its capacity and experience in delivering major football events.
“President Okraku had a reason for bringing junior tournaments to Ghana because he knows that if we do not host any of them, we are not ready to grow,” he said.
The GFA communications director also pointed to Ghana’s lengthy absence from hosting a major continental football tournament, noting that the country has not staged the senior Africa Cup of Nations since the 2008 edition.
He said the association’s president is eager to see Ghana successfully organise another major competition, making the proposed U-20 AFCON an important opportunity for the country.
“Since hosting the 2008 AFCON, we have not hosted another major tournament. The GFA President hopes to see another tournament successfully organised in Ghana. That is the hope,” he added.
Hosting the 2027 U-20 AFCON would give Ghana an opportunity to welcome some of Africa’s most promising young footballers while showcasing its sporting facilities and organisational capacity.
The competition could also provide valuable experience for local organisers and contribute to the development of youth football, provided the necessary preparations are completed to the required standards.
Nevertheless, the success of Ghana’s hosting bid will depend on more than assurances from football authorities. The readiness of the stadiums, supporting infrastructure and other tournament facilities will be critical to meeting CAF’s requirements.
With March 2027 approaching, attention will remain on the progress of preparations as Ghana seeks to turn its commitment into a successfully organised continental competition.
