Sports
Ghana could co-host AFCON with Côte d’Ivoire in the future – President Mahama hints
President John Dramani Mahama has disclosed that Ghana is considering the possibility of co-hosting the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in the future as part of efforts to upgrade the country’s sports infrastructure.
The President made the revelation during an inspection visit to the Ho Stadium last week, where he outlined plans to develop at least five stadiums across the country to meet the standards required for hosting major Confederation of African Football (CAF) competitions.
According to President Mahama, strengthening Ghana’s sporting facilities will be key to attracting international tournaments and positioning the country to host Africa’s biggest football event once again.
“We want, over the next few years, to have at least five stadiums in this country that can host CAF competitions properly,” the President said.
Ghana last hosted the AFCON in 2008, with matches played in Accra, Kumasi, Sekondi, and Tamale. The tournament was widely regarded as a successful event and marked the last time the country staged Africa’s flagship football competition.
President Mahama believes Ghana is approaching another opportunity to welcome the continent’s best football nations, nearly two decades after the 2008 edition.
“I’m sure that since 2008, after we hosted the AFCON, the time is almost near for us to host another AFCON,” he added.
The President also suggested that Ghana could explore a joint bid with neighbouring Côte d’Ivoire as part of a regional effort to bring the tournament back to West Africa.
“Maybe, in conjunction with our neighbours, we can come together, ourselves and Côte d’Ivoire, and then host,” he stated.
The proposed partnership would follow the growing trend of joint AFCON hosting arrangements, with countries seeking to combine resources and infrastructure to successfully stage major continental competitions.
Source:Fiilasports/ghanasoccernet
