President John Dramani Mahama has unveiled plans to transform the new Ho Stadium into a multi-purpose sports and commercial complex, saying the facility will go beyond football to serve as an entertainment and business hub operating throughout the year.

Speaking during an inspection of the stadium project, the President said the facility was being designed to remain active even when football matches were not being played.

“We want it to be a multi-use facility, not only for soccer, but it must have other entertainment complexes,” he said.

President Mahama explained that many stadiums across the country remain underutilised because they are used almost exclusively for football matches.

“The problem we have with most stadiums is that when we’re not playing soccer, we’re not doing anything with the stadium. So this stadium would have shops; it will have entertainment, it will have restaurants, and different facilities,” he stated.

He said the project aligns with the government’s 24-hour economy initiative by creating a venue that attracts visitors and commercial activity throughout the day and night.

“Even if we’re not playing soccer, in the spirit of the 24-hour economy initiative, people will still come and use the stadium,” the President added.

The reconstructed stadium, he disclosed, will include a modern natural grass pitch fitted with a computerised irrigation system to maintain the playing surface, as well as different categories of spectator stands to enhance the match-day experience.

Five CAF-standard stadiums planned

President Mahama also announced government’s ambition to develop at least five stadiums across the country that meet Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards for hosting major continental competitions.

“We want over the next few years to have at least five stadiums in this country that can host CAF competitions properly,” he said.

According to him, expanding Ghana’s stock of internationally certified stadiums is essential if the country is to bid successfully for major football tournaments.

He noted that Ghana last hosted the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2008 and said the time was approaching for the country to stage the tournament again, possibly through a joint bid with neighbouring countries.

“Since 2008, after we hosted the AFCON, the time is almost near for us to host another AFCON. Maybe in conjunction with our neighbours, we can come together ourselves, Côte d’Ivoire, and then host,” he said.

The President added that investing in modern sports infrastructure would also strengthen Ghana’s preparations for future FIFA World Cup campaigns, stressing that world-class facilities, together with a competitive national team, would enhance the country’s prospects of achieving greater success on the international stage.