Ghana was once a mighty force in football on the African continent and beyond. But unfortunately, it stands at the crossroads today. Football in Ghana has for a long time been a source of national pride, a unifying force that transcends ethnic and social divisions, and an integral part of our cultural identity.
However, in recent years, the glory that once defined Ghanaian football has faded and it is time for a comprehensive, strategic rebuild to restore our prominence on the world stage.
Our history in football is steeped in rich achievements. From the 1950s, when the national team was formed, to the 2000s when Ghana became a powerhouse in African football, winning the African Cup of Nations tournament (AFCON) four times – in 1963, 1965, 1978 and 1982. Ghana is also widely recognised for the world-class talents it churns out, from Abedi Pele to Asamoah Gyan and Mohammed Kudus.
Our success in football reached the zenith in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, where the Black Stars came within a whisker of making history as the first African nation to reach the semifinals. The youth teams have also played a pivotal role in showcasing Ghana’s footballing prowess. The under-20 team won the FIFA World Cup in 2009, becoming the first African team to achieve such a feat.
The U-20 team which had the likes of Andrew Dede Ayew, Samuel Inkoom and Emmanuel Agyemang Badu among many others, later transitioned into the senior national team which maintained the high image of Ghana football.
Ghana has also qualified for all the AFCON tournaments since 2004. However, this year, it has failed to qualify after finishing last in the qualifying group, with a paltry three goals, no win and conceding seven in the six matches.
Gradually, the managers of Ghana football have succeeded in bringing the game of football to ground zero and are unable to inspire confidence among the football loving fans. The disconnect between grassroots football and professional league has stifled the development of homegrown talents. This is very worrying indeed, to put it mildly.
The Ghana Premier League, which should have a robust pipeline of young players, suffers from poor management and sports infrastructure, making it difficult for local clubs to be competitive.
Our view is that the disgrace brought to our country by the failure of the Black Stars to qualify for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco should be the last of its kind. We should use this opportunity to restore football in Ghana.
When the Number 12 investigative piece shut football in Ghana, many thought the game would return in a better shape. But unfortunately, the situation has moved from bad to worse in six years. The need to rebuild football in Ghana from the scratch has never been more urgent than now.
According to football history, countries like Senegal, Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Belgium and France have all successfully rejuvenated their national teams following consistent efforts. Their stories can only inspire Ghana.
The Chronicle knows that modern football demands top-tier coaching, apart from quality stadiums with good pitches. Investing in the education and certification of local coaches should be a priority to the GFA. The Ghana Premier League should also be revitalised with good branding and marketing strategy, including quality television broadcast.
We also recommend strong leadership at the GFA, especially as perception of corruption at the Association increases by the day. The GFA must prioritise transparency in its dealings. Clear policies, financial accountability and an open dialogue with stakeholders would help restore faith in the leadership of Ghanaian football.
Our football would be better again if we strengthen community-based football programs. Therefore, it is important to revive inter-schools and regional competitions, which would provide a platform for young talents to showcase their abilities. We must now act to save Ghana football.
