Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), has challenged the widespread belief that Ghana cannot host a FIFA World Cup, urging the nation to take the lead in a regional bid that would bring the tournament to West Africa.

Speaking in an interview on Joy Prime, Ankrah said Ghana should draw inspiration from recent successful co-hosting models, pointing to the 2030 World Cup bid by Portugal, Spain and Morocco and the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, to be jointly hosted by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. “When people say, ‘Ghana, we can never host a World Cup,’ I disagree,” he said. “We must take initiative, rally our neighbors, and show the world we are ready.”

Ankrah outlined a vision that would see Ghana coordinate infrastructure planning, stadium upgrades and transport links across neighboring countries to meet FIFA’s requirements. He argued that a collaborative approach would spread costs, accelerate development and showcase West Africa’s passion for football on the global stage.

The NSA boss also called for early stakeholder engagement, including government ministries, private investors and local communities, to ensure any bid is realistic and sustainable.

While challenges such as funding and logistics remain, recent regional co-hosting examples have made multi-country bids more feasible.

By: Addy Kennedy Edem