National Sports Authority (NSA) Director General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah has warned that the Accra Sports Stadium is currently not in a condition to host the 2027 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations unless urgent rehabilitation works begin.The Confederation of African Football (CAF) awarded Ghana the hosting rights for the 2027 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, marking the second time the country will stage the competition after hosting it in 1999.The tournament, which will coincide with Ghana’s 70th Independence anniversary celebrations, will feature 12 teams, with the top four nations qualifying for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.Speaking on Sporty FM, Ampofo Ankrah said the country’s ability to stage the tournament will depend on the immediate mobilisation of funding for renovation works.”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 concern over the state of Ghana’s football infrastructure despite the country’s rich football history.”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 authorities are awaiting the findings of a technical assessment conducted by a foreign company, which will determine the extent of work required at the stadium.”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.
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