National Sports Authority (NSA) Director General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah has warned that Ghana is not currently ready to host the 2027 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, insisting urgent renovation works on the country’s major stadiums must begin if the nation is to successfully stage the tournament.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has awarded Ghana the hosting rights for the 2027 tournament, which will form part of activities marking the country’s 70th Independence Anniversary. It will be the second time Ghana hosts the competition, having previously staged the championship in 1999.
The tournament will feature 12 nations, with the four semi-finalists qualifying for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Speaking on the state of Ghana’s sports infrastructure, Ampofo Ankrah identified inadequate funding as the biggest obstacle to preparing the country’s stadiums in time for the continental showpiece.
“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 NSA boss also expressed disappointment over the condition of Ghana’s sporting facilities, arguing that a nation with such a rich football pedigree should boast modern stadiums capable of hosting major international competitions.
He singled out the Baba Yara Sports Stadium and the Ohene Gyan Stadium as facilities requiring significant attention.
“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 revealed that the NSA is awaiting the findings of a technical assessment carried out by an international consultancy firm, which recently inspected the country’s sporting facilities.
According to him, the report will determine the condition of the stadiums and recommend the level of rehabilitation required, including whether any of the venues should be temporarily closed to allow for major renovation works.
“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 explained.
With less than two years before the tournament, Ghana faces a race against time to upgrade its sporting infrastructure and meet CAF’s hosting requirements.
The successful delivery of the competition will depend heavily on swift investment, effective planning and collaboration between the government, corporate partners and football authorities to ensure the country’s stadiums are ready for one of Africa’s biggest youth football events.
