Ghana Considers Joint AFCON Bid with Côte d'Ivoire Amid Infrastructure Push

Ghana Considers Joint AFCON Bid with Côte d'Ivoire Amid Infrastructure Push

By Our Reporter 

President John Dramani Mahama has indicated that Ghana could consider a joint bid with neighbouring Côte d'Ivoire to host a future edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), as the government pursues an ambitious programme to upgrade the country's sports infrastructure, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The President made the remarks during an inspection tour of the Ho Sports Stadium, where he outlined plans to develop at least five stadiums capable of meeting the Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards for hosting international competitions.

According to President Mahama, strengthening Ghana's sporting infrastructure is central to the country's ambition of attracting major continental tournaments and re-establishing itself as a leading destination for African football.

"We want, over the next few years, to have at least five stadiums in this country that can host CAF competitions properly," he said.

Ghana last hosted the Africa Cup of Nations in 2008, staging the tournament across Accra, Kumasi, Sekondi and Tamale. Nearly two decades later, President Mahama believes the country should begin positioning itself to welcome the continent's flagship football competition once again.

"I'm sure that since 2008, after we hosted the AFCON, the time is almost near for us to host another AFCON," he said.

The President also suggested that a collaborative bid with Côte d'Ivoire could strengthen Ghana's chances of securing hosting rights while reinforcing regional cooperation in West African football.

"Maybe, in conjunction with our neighbours, we can come together, ourselves and Côte d'Ivoire, and then host," he added.

The proposed stadium development programme forms part of the government's broader strategy to modernise Ghana's sporting infrastructure, improve its capacity to stage CAF competitions, and position the country to host major international sporting events in the years ahead.

While no formal bid has been announced, President Mahama's comments signal Ghana's long-term ambition to return as hosts of Africa's premier football tournament.