Ghana President John Mahama backs Ethiopia’s 2028 AFCON bid after inspecting Bahir Dar Stadium

Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has backed Ethiopia’s bid to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), declaring the country ready to stage a successful tournament after inspecting facilities at the 52,000-capacity Bahir Dar Stadium.

Mahama praised the stadium’s infrastructure and its certification by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), arguing that Ethiopia deserved an opportunity to host Africa’s premier football competition after a lengthy absence.

The Ghanaian leader made the remarks during a visit to the stadium alongside Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and other African leaders and senior officials attending the 12th Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa.

His endorsement comes as Ethiopia seeks to secure the hosting rights for the 2028 AFCON, having not staged the continental tournament for several decades.

“This is a very impressive stadium, a 52,000-capacity stadium, and it’s already CAF-certified. We know that Ethiopia is bidding to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations. Ethiopia hasn’t hosted it for a very long time, so I think it’s only fair that they should be given the opportunity to do so.

“But the facilities are impressive, and I think Ethiopia is ready to host a successful tournament,” Mahama said.

Mahama impressed by stadium facilities

The president’s assessment highlighted the importance of infrastructure in Ethiopia’s bid to bring the competition back to the country.

With a capacity of 52,000 spectators, Bahir Dar Stadium is one of the facilities Ethiopia can showcase as it seeks to convince CAF of its ability to meet the requirements for hosting the tournament.

Mahama’s comments also underscored his belief that the country should be given the chance to stage the competition, particularly given the length of time since it last hosted the continental showpiece.

His endorsement followed an inspection of the stadium as part of activities surrounding the Tana Forum, which brought together African leaders and senior officials in Bahir Dar, the capital of Ethiopia’s Amhara Region.

The city lies near the source of the Blue Nile, making it a significant location for the gathering.

Ethiopia seeks return to AFCON hosting

Ethiopia’s bid to host the 2028 AFCON represents an opportunity for the country to return to the forefront of African football hosting.

The country last hosted the competition in 1976, when it staged the tournament for the third time. Its pursuit of the 2028 edition would therefore mark a significant return after more than five decades.

CAF certification of Bahir Dar Stadium provides an important element of Ethiopia’s preparations, although the country’s overall hosting proposal will be assessed against the governing body’s requirements.

Mahama’s backing adds support to Ethiopia’s ambition as it seeks to secure the rights to stage the tournament.

The Ghanaian president’s remarks also come amid growing interest among African nations in hosting major football competitions, which offer opportunities to showcase sporting infrastructure and attract international attention.

However, the final decision on the host nation rests with CAF, which will determine the successful bidder for the 2028 tournament.