President Akufo-Addo introduces Presidential Policy on Football to transform Black Stars
Ghana’s senior national football team, the Black Stars, is on the verge of a major transformation as President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo unveils a comprehensive Presidential Policy on Football.
During his State of the Nation address, the President highlighted the intrinsic value of football in Ghanaian society, reflecting on the team’s past successes and recent disappointments.
Recognizing the decline in performance, particularly in recent tournaments like the AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire, President Akufo-Addo stressed the need for a strategic and sustainable approach to rejuvenate the team. He expressed optimism that with the right strategies, Ghana can reclaim its position as a dominant force in African and global football.
The newly proposed policy is focused on prioritizing the development of grassroots football, with an emphasis on identifying, nurturing, and nurturing talent at the district level. This initiative involves a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to establish juvenile teams for both boys and girls across the country.
President Akufo-Addo stated, “It is imperative that we adopt a proactive approach to correct past mistakes. I am introducing a Presidential Policy on Football that will prioritize talent identification and development at the grassroots level in every district. This will be achieved through a partnership between the school sports department of the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Ghana Football Association (GFA), leading to the formation of district, regional, and national juvenile teams for both genders.”
Building on the government’s substantial investments in infrastructure, including the construction of over 150 astro turf pitches, this initiative aims to provide young aspiring footballers with top-notch facilities and essential support. The President stressed the importance of selecting players based on merit, ensuring that talent progression from grassroots to senior levels is solely based on performance.
Drawing inspiration from previous successful football development schemes, such as the five-year plan overseen by the late Ben Koufie under President JA Kufuor’s administration, President Akufo-Addo emphasized that sustainable success in football demands time, commitment, and patience. He expressed confidence that with proper implementation, the Black Stars will once again reignite national pride.
