Ghana insists 2027 U-20 AFCON plans remain on track despite concerns over preparations

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has insisted the country will host the 2027 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations in March, despite growing concerns about the state of preparations and the lack of visible infrastructure upgrades.

GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum maintained that Ghana remain committed to hosting the tournament and are confident in their ability to deliver it successfully.

“We will host the 2027 AFCON in March. Nothing has changed, and we still have what it takes to host the tournament,” he told MAX FM.

His comments come amid questions over Ghana’s readiness, with several proposed venues requiring attention and concerns about the level of investment being made ahead of the competition.

As preparations continue, the condition of the country’s sporting facilities remains a key issue. Accra Sports Stadium is currently the only venue understood to be certified for CAF competitions, while other proposed venues, including Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi and Cape Coast Stadium, face questions over their readiness.

Asante Twum also defended GFA President Kurt Okraku’s decision to bring junior tournaments to Ghana, arguing that hosting competitions is important for the development of the country’s football.

“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.

Ghana last hosted the senior Africa Cup of Nations in 2008, and Asante Twum said the GFA President hopes the country can successfully organise another major tournament.

“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.

With the tournament scheduled for March 2027, Ghana faces a race to ensure its venues and supporting infrastructure meet CAF’s requirements. While the GFA remains publicly confident, the progress of preparations will be crucial to turning that confidence into a successful tournament.

Send your news stories to [email protected] and via WhatsApp on +233 546310076.

Latest News