Ghana Football Association (GFA) Communications Director Henry Asante Twum has dismissed concerns that Ghana could lose the hosting rights for the 2027 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations over an alleged lack of urgency in funding preparations for the tournament.
His comments follow reports questioning Ghana’s readiness to stage the continental competition, with concerns raised about the progress of infrastructure upgrades at the proposed venues.
Speaking to Max Sports on October 20, 2026, Asante Twum maintained that Ghana remains capable of hosting the tournament, insisting that the planned competition in March 2027 would proceed as scheduled.
He said GFA President Kurt Okraku remains committed to bringing major football tournaments to Ghana as part of efforts to develop the country’s football structures and provide opportunities for young players.
“We will host the 2027 AFCON in March. Nothing has changed, and we still have what it takes to host the tournament,” Asante Twum said.
“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 ourselves.
“It was a good decision to bring the African Games and the WAFU U-17 tournament in Cape Coast to Ghana. As to the benefits, it is subjective.
“Since hosting the 2008 AFCON, we have not hosted another major tournament. It is the GFA President’s hope to have another one organised successfully. That is the hope,” he added.
CAF awarded Ghana the hosting rights for the 2027 U-20 AFCON in April 2026, with the tournament scheduled for March 2027.
The competition is expected to form part of activities marking Ghana’s 70th Independence anniversary celebrations.
The Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, Cape Coast Stadium and the University of Ghana Stadium have been earmarked as proposed venues, while the Accra Sports Stadium is also under consideration.
Ghana last hosted the U-20 AFCON in 1999, when the Black Satellites won the competition on home soil.
With preparations for the 2027 edition expected to intensify in the coming months, the country’s ability to deliver the required infrastructure and logistical arrangements will be crucial to ensuring a successful tournament.
