Communications Director of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Elvis Adjei-Baah has debunked reports that Ghana has been stripped of the hosting right of the 2018 African Women Cup of Nations (AWCON).
Reports went widespread on Sunday that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has stripped the West African nation of the hosting right to host this year’s AWCON following a decision by the continent’s football governing body.
CAF took the decision after the country’s disastrous preparation for the competition left the Egypt-based body with no option.
With just three months before the start of the competition, CAF has been left unimpressed with the progress work at venues for the competition which led to the decision to axe Ghana.
The report further stated that, CAF President Ahmad Ahmad has revealed that they are talking to some countries to take over as hosts of the two-week competition.
According to the report, a new host will be announced next month during the CAF Extraordinary General Assembly in Egypt.
In an interview with Ohene Bampoe-Brenya on Happy FM’s Anopa Bosuo Sports, the Ministry scribe vehemently denied the report and stated that his outfit has not received a communique to that effect.
“We haven’t received any official letter from CAF saying we have been stripped off of the 2019 AWCON.”
“If there has been a change in the hosting plan, I believe we should be the first to be notified. The Liaison team is also saying they haven’t received any official letter from CAF either. We can’t deal with rumours. I only know Ghana has the right to host of the AWCON.”
Until CAF writes to us, Ghana is still the host of the competition.” I believe Ghana is ready to host this tournament. I will be surprised if CAF take the hosting right from us.
“We are trying to contact CAF to find out if such news is true or not. The Liaison team are working on it.”
The eight-team tournament is scheduled to take place between 17 November to 1 December 2018 but the dodgy pace of preparation look to have led to the decision.