NSA boss confident World Cup funds will support stadium upgrades ahead of 2027 U-20 AFCON

Ghana has secured the hosting rights for the 2027 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, a tournament that will coincide with the country’s 70th independence anniversary.

The competition will return to Ghana for the second time, having previously been hosted by the country in 1999.

With preparations for the tournament expected to require significant investment in stadium infrastructure and playing surfaces, Ampofo Ankrah believes funding from Ghana’s World Cup participation could help address some of the infrastructure challenges.

The NSA boss pointed to the Democratic Republic of Congo as an example of a country that has outlined how funds generated from its World Cup participation will be utilised.

“Other countries do it. I think DR Congo recently released their plan on how to, you know, use their funds, and I’m sure the GFA would do something similar in due course,” he said.

Ampofo Ankrah disclosed that discussions over the allocation of funds are ongoing, urging Ghanaians to remain patient and hopeful as the relevant stakeholders work towards securing the necessary resources.

“Conversations are ongoing, so let’s be patient and let’s be optimistic that we’ll hear something very positive,” he added.

He further assured that the NSA is ready to channel any funds it receives into improving the country’s sporting infrastructure and ensuring that the necessary rehabilitation works are undertaken.

“For the NSA, you know, any good money that comes, yes, we’ll take it to make sure that we do the right work. So, we’re hoping that there’ll be good news, and hopefully that will be soon,” Ampofo Ankrah stated.

CAF’s infrastructure requirements for hosting major competitions mean Ghana will need to make substantial improvements to its stadiums and playing surfaces ahead of the 2027 tournament.

The availability of adequate funding will therefore be crucial to ensuring that the country’s facilities meet the required standards and that Ghana is fully prepared to host the U-20 AFCON successfully.

Source:Fiilasports/ghanasoccernet