Patrick Akoto named WAFU-B Assistant General Coordinator

Patrick Akoto, the Senior Manager of Communications at the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has been appointed as the Assistant General Coordinator for the upcoming WAFU-B U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying tournament. The regional competition is scheduled to take place in Burkina Faso from October 10 to October 23, 2026. This appointment highlights the increasing recognition of Ghanaian football administrators within the sub-regional governing body.

In addition to his high-ranking role at the GFA, Akoto serves as the Managing Editor of GHANAsoccernet, one of the country's leading sports news outlets. His selection for this continental assignment reflects his extensive experience in football administration and media management. As Assistant General Coordinator, he will play a pivotal role in the operational management of the qualifiers, ensuring that match-day protocols, administrative requirements, and tournament logistics are executed efficiently throughout the two-week event.

Akoto is not the only Ghanaian official heading to Burkina Faso for the qualifying series. He is part of a five-member delegation of Ghanaian officials designated by the West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone B to oversee the various aspects of the tournament. This collective representation underscores the technical and administrative expertise Ghana continues to provide to West African football competitions and the trust the regional body places in Ghanaian personnel.

The WAFU-B U-17 qualifiers are a crucial component of youth development in the region, as they determine which nations will progress to the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations. For the participating teams, the tournament represents a vital step toward potential global competition at the FIFA U-17 World Cup. Akoto's involvement in the administrative oversight of the event ensures that Ghana maintains a significant presence both on the field and in the governance of the sport across the continent.