Ghana could launch a joint bid with neighbouring Côte d’Ivoire to host a future Africa Cup of Nations, with President John Dramani Mahama revealing the ambition as part of a wider strategy to transform the country’s sporting infrastructure.
Mahama disclosed the plan during an inspection tour of the Ho Sports Stadium, where he outlined the government’s vision of developing at least five stadiums capable of meeting Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards for international competitions.
The Ghanaian leader said modernising sports infrastructure remains central to the country’s ambition of attracting major continental tournaments and restoring its reputation as one of Africa’s leading football destinations.
“We want, over the next few years, to have at least five stadiums in this country that can host CAF competitions properly,” Mahama said.
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Ghana last hosted the Africa Cup of Nations in 2008, staging the tournament across Accra, Kumasi, Sekondi and Tamale. The competition, won by Egypt, was widely praised for its organisation and remains the country’s most recent staging of Africa’s flagship football tournament.
Nearly two decades later, Mahama believes Ghana is approaching the point where it can once again compete for hosting rights.
“I’m sure that since 2008, after we hosted the AFCON, the time is almost near for us to host another AFCON,” he added.
Rather than pursuing the opportunity alone, Mahama suggested Ghana could strengthen its chances by partnering with Côte d’Ivoire in a joint West African bid.
“Maybe, in conjunction with our neighbours, we can come together, ourselves and Côte d’Ivoire, and then host.”
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The proposal comes after Côte d’Ivoire successfully hosted the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, a tournament that drew widespread praise for its organisation, infrastructure and fan experience. A joint bid would also reflect CAF’s growing openness to multi-nation hosting, following similar models adopted in other major international competitions.
