The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the WAFU B U-17 Cup of Nations, met on Tuesday April 23, 2024, to accelerate preparations for the sub-regional football tournament.
The five-member committee, chaired by Ghana Football Association Executive Council member, Gideon Fosu, held a meeting at the Association's Headquarters in Accra. The meeting focused mainly on general organizational matters relating to the championship which takes place from May 15-29, 2024, in Accra.
Committee members deliberated on planning elements for Security, Marketing, Communications, Transportation, Media and Medical amongst others.
The meeting also received and discussed a progress report on preparations for the tournament so far.
"This meeting basically looked at all the activities and items that the LOC is supposed to put together before, during and after the tournament," Chairman Gideon Fosu told ghanafa.org
"We talked about security, the training pitches, venue for matches, the various things that needs to be done at the stadium. Accommodation, transportation, spectatorship and several other pertinent areas were discussed. We've been able to cover grounds.
"We have already started work but this serves as a guide for us to continue what we have started or to add on to what we have started. So, I think the meeting was fruitful'', Mr. Fosu went on to say.
"I think this will be the best tournament yet. I think the LOC is poised to make sure that the experience for this U-17 tournament is exceptional and we're seeking to bring something new to this tournament. Hopefully, Ghanaians and our West African counterparts will see a spectacular tournament in Accra'', Gideon Fosu assured.
The Committee, working closely with a working group within the Football Association, have fast tracked processes and plans for the smooth execution of the tournament.
Seven countries, Cote D’Ivoire, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Togo, Niger, Benin, and host Ghana will vie for the trophy at stake as well as tickets to the U17 Africa Cup of Nations to be held next year.
The meeting also had in attendance Vice-Chairman of the Committee, Robert Otieku Duncan, who doubles as the Chairman of the Central Regional Football Association and Leslie Kuuku Bartels, President of Division One League side Victory Club Warriors.
Deputy General Secretary in charge of Administration, Ama Brobey-Williams, and Director of Competitions, Julius Emunah were also in attendance.
The draw for next month's tournament, which has already taken place, has host nation, Ghana, being drawn alongside neighbours Cote D'voire and Benin in Group A. Defending champions Nigeria will battle Burkina Faso, Niger, and Togo in Group B.
The LOC is committed to deliver a seamless quality football event that will ignite passion across the participating countries, in particular, and the African continent, in general.
GFA Communications