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The plan, formulated by the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), aims to position the country as a host for major sporting events, including the World Cup and the Olympics.
Ghana is setting its sights on hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2038 as part of an ambitious national development plan.
The plan, formulated by the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), aims to position the country as a host for major sporting events, including the World Cup and the Olympics.
The master plan, which spans a 40-year period, outlines the financial and infrastructure targets that Ghana needs to achieve in order to be ready to host the world's biggest football tournament.
“This presents my government and subsequent governments with a daunting task, not so much the implementation, but to stay on track and ensure we have the desired outcome,” Ghana president Nana Akufo-Addo said of the plan.
“We must be able to monitor our progress, and redirect our paths when we seem to be deviating from them. We must, therefore, make rapid progress, and do things to ensure that we achieve it,” he added.
Key among the objectives is the construction of a state-of-the-art stadium called the 'Black Star,' designed to incorporate cutting-edge 21st-century technology, including a roof made up of solar panels.
This ultramodern stadium would not only provide a world-class venue for football matches but also contribute to sustainable energy practices.
If Ghana's aspiration becomes a reality, it would mark a historic moment as the country would become the first West African nation to host the World Cup.
South Africa, in 2010, is currently the only African country to have hosted the tournament. However, Ghana may face competition from Morocco, which has also expressed interest in bidding for the hosting rights, potentially in an earlier edition of the tournament.
Ghana has demonstrated its ability to host major football tournaments in the past.
The country successfully organized the Africa Cup of Nations in 2008, with the national team, the Black Stars, achieving an impressive third-place finish.
Additionally, the Black Stars have participated in four World Cup tournaments, with their best result being a quarter-final appearance during the 2010 edition held in South Africa.
However, their performances in the last two appearances have been disappointing, failing to progress beyond the group stage.
While the host for the upcoming 2026 World Cup has already been decided, with the United States, Canada, and Mexico co-hosting the tournament, the host for the subsequent edition is yet to be determined.
Ghana's bid to host the 2038 World Cup aligns with its long-term development plan and reflects the country's ambition to showcase its capabilities on the global sporting stage.
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