President John Dramani Mahama has announced Ghana’s ambition to expand and upgrade its sports infrastructure by developing at least five stadiums capable of hosting major Confederation of African Football (CAF) competitions.
Speaking during an inspection visit to the Ho Stadium, President Mahama revealed that the government wants to ensure Ghana has enough modern venues that meet international standards, positioning the country to host major continental tournaments in the future.
According to the President, improving stadium facilities will be a crucial step towards Ghana’s return to hosting the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), a tournament the country last staged in 2008.
“We want, over the next few years, to have at least five stadiums in this country that can host CAF competitions properly,” President Mahama said.
Ghana successfully hosted the 2008 AFCON tournament, with matches played across four major venues in Accra, Kumasi, Sekondi and Tamale. The competition remains one of the most memorable football events organised in the country, with Ghana reaching the semi-finals.
President Mahama believes the country is gradually approaching another opportunity to welcome Africa’s top football nations, adding that improved infrastructure will strengthen Ghana’s chances of securing future hosting rights.
“I’m sure that since 2008, after we hosted the AFCON, the time is almost near for us to host another AFCON,” he added.
The President also suggested that Ghana could explore a possible regional partnership with neighbouring Côte d’Ivoire to stage the tournament, following the success of recent joint-hosting models in international football.
“Maybe, in conjunction with our neighbours, we can come together, ourselves and Côte d’Ivoire, and then host,” he stated.
The proposed stadium development forms part of broader efforts to improve Ghana’s sporting ecosystem, including creating better facilities for football development, domestic competitions and international events.
Ghana has a rich history of hosting major football tournaments, including AFCON 1978, AFCON 2000 (jointly with Nigeria) and AFCON 2008. However, concerns over ageing infrastructure and stadium standards have remained a major challenge in recent years.
With renewed focus on modern sporting facilities, President Mahama believes Ghana can restore its position as one of Africa’s leading football nations and once again become a preferred destination for major continental competitions.
