Mahama targets five CAF-standard stadiums with Ho Stadium redevelopment

President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to redevelop the Ho Stadium into a modern multi-purpose sports and entertainment complex as part of the government's ambition to increase the number of CAF-approved stadiums in Ghana.

Speaking during an inspection tour of the facility in the Volta Region, the President said the redevelopment forms part of a broader strategy to ensure the country has at least five stadiums capable of hosting Confederation of African Football (CAF) competitions in the coming years.

Mahama explained that the current model of managing sports facilities is unsustainable, with many stadiums remaining unused outside football matches.

"The problem we have with most stadia is that when we are not playing soccer, we are not doing anything else with the stadium," he said.

The President disclosed that government will soon allocate funds for the project and finalise its design before holding a sod-cutting ceremony to officially commence construction.

The redevelopment will include the installation of a modern natural grass pitch fitted with a computerised irrigation system to improve pitch quality and reduce maintenance costs while ensuring the stadium remains in use throughout the year.

Beyond football, the upgraded facility will feature entertainment and commercial spaces capable of hosting concerts, conferences and other public events, creating additional revenue streams and ensuring the venue remains active beyond matchdays.

Mahama said the Ho Stadium project will serve as one of the flagship developments under the government's wider infrastructure agenda to expand quality sporting facilities across the country.

Ghana last hosted the Africa Cup of Nations in 2008, but currently has a limited number of venues that meet CAF's infrastructure requirements. The President said the long-term objective is to develop high-standard stadiums across different regions rather than concentrating international football in Accra and Kumasi alone.

 

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