CAF flags four Ghana stadiums over major deficiencies ahead of 2027 U20 Africa Cup of Nations

Ghana’s bid to host the 2027 U20 Africa Cup of Nations faces a major infrastructure test after a Confederation of African Football (CAF) technical inspection identified significant deficiencies at four of the five proposed competition venues, with Baba Yara Sports Stadium declared non-compliant with Category 4 standards.

A 26-page technical inspection report, following a CAF mission to Ghana from January 12 to 16, 2026, highlights concerns about stadium maintenance, playing surfaces, security systems, spectator safety and media facilities.

The assessment covered five stadiums in Accra, Kumasi and Cape Coast, alongside 10 proposed training facilities. Although CAF considers Ghana’s hosting bid viable, it has made final venue approval dependent on infrastructure improvements, confirmed funding and compliance with strict implementation timelines.

Baba Yara Stadium faces major rehabilitation

The 40,528-capacity Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi emerged as the most concerning venue, with CAF declaring it non-compliant with the continent’s Category 4 requirements.

The inspection identified a poor playing surface, defective irrigation, obsolete and partially blocked drainage systems, and inadequate maintenance equipment.

Security arrangements also fell short of the required standards, with the report highlighting the absence of functional CCTV surveillance, automated access control and electronic spectator-counting systems.

The stadium’s dressing rooms were described as undersized and inadequately equipped, while its media facilities require substantial development.

CAF concluded that the facility cannot host the competition without major technical, operational and safety interventions. A further inspection and certification will be necessary before it can receive approval.

Accra and Cape Coast stadiums also under scrutiny

The Accra Sports Stadium, which has a capacity of 40,000, was classified as partially compliant and requires extensive rehabilitation.

Despite its status as one of Ghana’s principal sporting venues, the report identified advanced deterioration, particularly in metallic structures affected by significant corrosion and rust.

Other concerns include inadequate crowd management, emergency evacuation arrangements, media facilities and security systems. The absence of electronic turnstiles and automated access control was also flagged as an obstacle to effective spectator management.

The Cape Coast Sports Stadium, with an approximate capacity of 17,000, also received a partially compliant assessment.

Although its structural condition was considered generally sound, CAF identified a poor playing surface, defective irrigation, inadequate media infrastructure and shortcomings in spectator safety.

The facility will require targeted improvements before it can be considered suitable for the tournament.

University of Ghana Stadium leads proposed venues

The University of Ghana Sports Stadium emerged as the strongest of the five proposed competition venues, receiving a compliant-with-conditions classification.

The 10,000-capacity facility, commissioned in 2024 for the African Games, requires minor to moderate improvements, particularly to its VIP and VVIP facilities, media infrastructure and security systems.

The Nduom Sports Complex in Cape Coast, which accommodates approximately 15,000 spectators, also received a compliant-with-conditions assessment in the report’s executive summary.

Its outstanding issues include pitch maintenance, dressing-room facilities, medical provision, media infrastructure and security arrangements.

CAF also noted that the access road to the privately owned facility was under construction during the inspection. Completing the road is necessary to ensure reliable access for teams, officials and emergency services.

The two venues have been identified as priorities for early confirmation because they require comparatively lower levels of investment.

Ten training facilities raise further concerns

Ghana’s infrastructure challenges extend beyond the five proposed competition stadiums, with CAF identifying significant shortcomings at the 10 training facilities assessed across the three host cities.

The report highlights poor playing surfaces, inadequate drainage and irrigation, insufficient floodlighting and poorly equipped dressing rooms.

Some facilities also lack proper perimeter fencing, access control systems and dedicated technical maintenance personnel.

CAF requires training grounds to meet a minimum floodlighting standard of 500 lux, but several of the proposed facilities were found to have inadequate lighting or none at all.

The overall assessment of the training facilities was partially compliant, with major improvements required before they can be approved for tournament use.

Their eventual selection will depend on the completion of the necessary works and subsequent CAF inspections.

Funding and deadlines crucial to Ghana’s bid

Despite the shortcomings, CAF believes Ghana can successfully host the competition if the necessary infrastructure investments are delivered within strict timelines.

The report recommends immediate rehabilitation programmes for the Accra and Baba Yara sports stadiums, subject to firm government and financial commitments. The Cape Coast Sports Stadium remains a conditional venue pending targeted improvements.

CAF has also called for a phased infrastructure action plan with clearly defined budgets, implementation milestones and follow-up inspections.

A technical coordination mechanism involving CAF and the Local Organising Committee has been recommended to monitor progress and ensure that the required standards are met.

The report warns that delays in rehabilitation could disrupt the competition schedule and damage the tournament’s reputation.

Ghana’s hosting ambition therefore remains viable, but final approval will depend on securing the necessary funding, meeting delivery deadlines and passing subsequent compliance inspections.