Ghana has no venue ready to host 2027 U-20 AFCON – NSA DG

The Director General of Ghana's National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, has revealed that the country presently lacks any venue capable of hosting the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Ghana is scheduled to host the U-20 AFCON for the second time in its history in 2027, marking 28 years since its inaugural hosting of the tournament in 1999.

This event aligns with Ghana's 70th Independence Anniversary. Speaking on Ghana's readiness to host the tournament, NSA boss Ankrah admitted that considerable work remains to be done to elevate the nation's sporting infrastructure to the standards set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). He stated, "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."

Ankrah emphasized that securing funding would be crucial for Ghana to undertake the necessary enhancements, in line with CAF's infrastructure requirements. "Obviously, it’s all about funding, and it’s about improving the structures that CAF would want to have in place," he added. Ankrah also disclosed that efforts are underway to improve the country's sports facilities, including playing surfaces, but acknowledged that the process would demand ample time and resources.

He further explained that a clear roadmap would be formulated once CAF provides Ghana the final approval to host the tournament, with the NSA optimistic about meeting the required deadlines. "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," Ankrah concluded.