The countdown has officially begun for Ghana’s upcoming AFCON qualifiers, with the National Sports Authority (NSA) and the Ghana Sports Fund joining forces to ensure the country’s sporting facilities meet international standards ahead of crucial fixtures.
Following a successful inspection tour of the Accra Sports Stadium facility by the NSA Board and the leadership of the Ghana Sports Fund, there is growing optimism that the basic repair works required before Ghana hosts The Gambia in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers will be completed on schedule.
Inspection Tour Assesses Readiness
The tour, conducted by NSA Director General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah and Board Chairman Professor Fred Awaah, also included Professor Koryoe Anim-Wright, Chairperson of the Ghana Sports Fund Board, and the Administrator of the Ghana Sports Fund, Dr David Wuaku .
The delegation inspected the pitch, dressing rooms, media centre, security zones, and other critical areas of the facility currently being attended to ensure the venue is ready to host the upcoming qualifier.
Ghana faces a challenging Group C campaign, having been drawn alongside Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, and Somalia . The Black Stars will first travel to Ivory Coast to face the Elephants before returning home to prepare for the Gambian opponents.
Major Stadium Upgrades Underway
The Accra Sports Stadium is not alone in receiving attention. The Baba Yara Sports Stadium, the Kipko Sports Stadium, and the Essipong Sports Stadium are all currently being assessed for minor to major works in preparation for the AFCON qualifiers.
The urgency of these upgrades has been underscored by recent admissions from NSA leadership. Director General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah has acknowledged that Ghana currently lacks a stadium that fully meets the requirements to host major continental tournaments, revealing that “as of today, we can’t play the (U-20) AFCON in any of our venues” .
The upgrades are also critical for the African Under-20 AFCON scheduled for March 2027, which Ghana is set to host for the first time since 1999 as part of celebrations marking the nation’s 70th Independence Anniversary .
Financial Boost for Infrastructure
The NSA is expected to receive a major boost from the Ministry of Finance to attend to facilities across the country.
The announcement by President John Dramani Mahama that 10 smaller stadiums will be built across the regions has further boosted the sports ecosystem . Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams revealed that President Mahama reviewed his earlier decision to construct six mini-stadiums and expanded the project to cover 10 regions .
The facilities will be constructed in the Western North, Oti, Ahafo, Bono East, Savannah, North East, Upper East, Upper West and Volta regions, with the remaining beneficiary location expected to complete the 10-region plan. Adams noted that the Finance Minister has already issued commencement authorisation, and the government is now working through the processes to award contracts .
These facilities will be much smaller but will feature multi-sports capabilities to accommodate local, regional, and some level of national competitions and tournaments. Meanwhile, funds will also be directed towards the renovation and rehabilitation of bigger stadia across Ghana.
Ghana Sports Fund: A New Era
The Ghana Sports Fund, established through the Ghana Sports Fund Bill, 2025, is designed to offer a structured, professionally managed, and sustainable financing mechanism for the sector . The Fund aims to move Ghana beyond its heavy reliance on the national budget for sports financing.
Dr David Wuaku, Administrator of the Fund, has outlined an ambitious vision to establish a resilient and sustainable funding structure, describing it as the key legacy he hopes to leave behind .
“We should have a system that can identify talented sportsmen from anywhere, even at the beaches or in the remotest parts of the country, and develop them,” Dr Wuaku has stated .
The Ghana Olympic Committee has already demonstrated its support for the Fund, with board members making a significant personal donation to lead by example and encourage private sector participation .
Professor Koryoe Anim-Wright, Chairperson of the Fund Board, has emphasised the importance of transparency and accountability in managing contributions, stating that a strong partnership with financially sound institutions would be vital to meeting public expectations .
Looking Ahead
The Black Stars’ first home fixture in the AFCON qualifiers is scheduled for the window of 27-29 September 2026, with the return fixture against The Gambia set for March 2027 . Ghana faces the prospect of a potentially hostile atmosphere in Banjul, as CAF has granted provisional approval for The Gambia’s Independence Stadium to host international matches following extensive renovations .
With the NSA, the Ghana Sports Fund, and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation working in concert, there is growing confidence that Ghana’s sporting infrastructure will receive the attention it needs—not just for the upcoming qualifiers, but as part of a broader transformation of the country’s sports ecosystem.
