The Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, has announced that his office will organize a national dialogue to address the recent poor performances of Ghana’s national teams. This announcement was made in Parliament as Mustapha Ussif presented the Ministry’s report on the Black Stars’ participation in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire.
In response to the declining fortunes of football in the country, football enthusiasts, stakeholders, and concerned citizens organized a demonstration dubbed “Save Ghana Football.” The demonstration, which took place at the Obra Sport at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle and culminated at the Independence Square, aimed to pressure the government, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to find lasting solutions to the challenges facing Ghanaian football.
The demonstration was organized by prominent sports journalists including Saddick Adams of Angel Broadcasting Network and Patrick Osei-Agyeman of the Multimedia Group, and it sought to address the disappointment among Ghanaians over the Black Stars’ performance at the AFCON tournament.
The Minister for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, acknowledged the disappointment among Ghanaians over the Black Stars’ performance at the AFCON tournament and emphasized the ministry’s commitment to initiating measures that would lead to a national dialogue involving all stakeholders. He stated, “The Ministry of Youth and Sports is aware of the disappointment among the Ghanaian populace and therefore intends to instigate measures that would lead to a national dialogue of all stakeholders, to come up with modern and inclusive ways of managing the National Teams.”
The move to convene a national dialogue signals a proactive approach by the government to address the systemic issues plaguing Ghanaian football. It underscores the recognition of football as a unifying force and a vital aspect of the nation’s identity and culture.
As stakeholders await further details on the proposed national dialogue, there is cautious optimism that collaborative efforts will pave the way for sustainable reforms and rejuvenate Ghana’s football landscape. With the collective determination to overcome challenges and chart a new course for football development, the future holds promise for Ghanaian football enthusiasts nationwide.
Many Ghanaians and people within football have accused the leadership of the GFA of turning the national teams into an avenue to reward their favorites by appointing them to various roles.
In conclusion, the upcoming national dialogue presents an opportunity for all stakeholders to come together and address the challenges facing Ghanaian football, with the hope of revitalizing the sport and restoring national pride.
