Ghana remains confident it will host the 2027 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, with Ghana Football Association (GFA) Communications Director Henry Asante Twum rejecting suggestions that the country could lose the tournament because preparations have not been funded urgently enough.
The planned competition is due to take place in March 2027, and Asante Twum said Ghana was still capable of staging it as scheduled.
His comments, made to MaxSport on October 20, 2026, followed reports raising questions about Ghana’s readiness. Those concerns focused particularly on the progress of infrastructure improvements at the venues proposed for the tournament.
Asante Twum said GFA President Kurt Okraku remained determined to bring major football competitions to Ghana. He said hosting junior tournaments was part of a wider effort to strengthen the country’s football structures and create opportunities for young players.
“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.”
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) awarded Ghana the hosting rights for the 2027 U-20 AFCON in April 2026. The tournament is expected to be included among events marking Ghana’s 70th Independence anniversary celebrations.
Three venues have been identified as possible locations for matches: Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, Cape Coast Stadium and the University of Ghana Stadium. Accra Sports Stadium is also being considered.
Ghana last hosted the U-20 AFCON in 1999. The Black Satellites won the competition on home soil that year.
Preparations are expected to increase in the months ahead, with the country’s ability to complete the necessary infrastructure work and put the required logistical arrangements in place likely to be central to the tournament’s delivery.