The state of football in Ghana has come under scrutiny as Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has labeled it a “mess” and thrown his support behind a recent protest aimed at demanding structural reforms in the country’s football sector.
The demonstration, which has gained traction with thousands of participants, is set to make its way to the Ghana Football Association’s headquarters and then to Parliament to deliver a petition outlining their grievances and demands for change.
Ablakwa, speaking on the AM Show on Joy News, expressed solidarity with the protesters, stating, “I am fully supportive. I wanted to join them earlier, but they mentioned that they would present their petition to Parliament, so I will join the Speaker to receive the petition.”
He further emphasized the need for change by highlighting the lack of FIFA-standard pitches and a sports policy, and the vast amount going into football without significant progress. Ablakwa added, “Ghanaian football is in a dire state, which we cannot accept. I wholeheartedly endorse the SaveGhanaFootball protest.”
The recent underwhelming performance of Ghana in the AFCON tournament, where they secured only two points out of a possible nine, has brought questions regarding the management and future trajectory of Ghanaian football to the forefront, prompting calls for substantial reforms.
