Addis Ababa, October 24, 2026 (FMC) — Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has expressed confidence in Ethiopia’s readiness to host a successful Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), praising the facilities at Bahir Dar Stadium during a visit following the opening of the 12th Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa.
Mahama described the stadium as impressive, noting its capacity of 52,000 spectators and its certification by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Ethiopia is bidding to host the 2028 AFCON, a tournament the country has not hosted for a long time. Mahama said Ethiopia deserved an opportunity to stage the continental competition.
“The facilities are impressive, and I think that Ethiopia is ready to host a successful tournament,” he said.
The Ghanaian president made the remarks after visiting the stadium alongside Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and other African leaders and senior officials attending the Tana Forum in Bahir Dar, the capital of Amhara Region near the source of the Blue Nile.