President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to develop at least five stadiums capable of hosting Confederation of African Football (CAF) competitions, while indicating that Ghana could pursue a joint bid with Côte d’Ivoire to host a future Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The President made the remarks during an inspection tour of the Ho Stadium, where he outlined the government’s vision to modernise the country’s sports infrastructure and position Ghana to host major continental football tournaments.
“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 Eyes Return as AFCON Host
President Mahama noted that Ghana is approaching the point where it could once again stage Africa’s premier football tournament, nearly two decades after successfully hosting the 2008 AFCON.
Ghana last hosted the competition in 2008, with matches played in Accra, Kumasi, Sekondi and Tamale.
“I’m sure that since 2008, after we hosted the AFCON, the time is almost near for us to host another AFCON,” he said.
Joint Bid with Côte d’Ivoire
The President also suggested that Ghana could strengthen its chances of hosting the tournament by partnering with neighbouring Côte d’Ivoire in a joint bid.
“Maybe, in conjunction with our neighbours, we can come together, ourselves and Côte d’Ivoire, and then host,” he stated.
The proposal comes as the government steps up efforts to upgrade sports infrastructure across the country, with the aim of ensuring that more stadiums meet CAF standards and are capable of hosting major continental and international competitions.
The planned investments form part of a broader strategy to enhance sports development, attract international tournaments and restore Ghana’s status as a leading destination for football in Africa.
