How Bad Is Football In Ghana Right Now?

In recent years, Ghana’s football scene has encountered many challenges, especially in 2024, when the Black Stars, the country’s national team, suffered a string of defeats.

For a few years now, the once-footballing nation has fallen to its lowest level. There have been inquiries as to why these issues have not yet been resolved.

Due to a drop in performance, Ghana’s national team is currently ranked 14th in Africa and 77th overall as of December 2024.

This year in Morocco, Ghana did not make it to the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 2004. The team finished at the bottom of their qualifying group, which included Angola, Sudan, and Niger, without securing a single victory. A 1-1 draw against Angola sealed their fate, leading to widespread disappointment among fans and stakeholders.

In March 2024, Ghana suffered a 1-0 loss to Angola during the 2025 AFCON qualifiers at the Baba Yara Stadium. This defeat was particularly notable as it marked the first time in 24 years that the Black Stars lost a match at this venue, raising concerns about the team’s current form and commitment.

Otto Addo, the head coach, came under heavy fire after the team’s subpar performances. The increasing dissatisfaction among supporters and the media is reflected in the numerous journalists who have publicly criticized Addo’s coaching skills and Football Association.

Addo has only managed two victories in ten games since his return in March 2024, which has heightened calls for a review of the team’s technical direction.

The recent downturn has prompted calls for comprehensive reforms within Ghanaian football. Addressing issues related to management, player development, and tactical approaches will be crucial in restoring the nation’s footballing stature.

The numerous challenges have affected its performance and reputation, both domestically and internationally.

Over the past several years, the national teams have performed appallingly. The Black Stars, Ghana’s national team, continue to fall in FIFA rankings as a result of their patchy results in significant competitions.

In addition to corruption, poor management and leadership are the main causes of Ghana football’s issues, according to sports and football analysts. The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has also been beset by governance problems, including claims of poor management.

Here are a few football-related issues that must be resolved in order to repair Ghana’s football image.

Lack of Strategic Planning: Poor long-term planning and vision for the development of football at all levels.

Unclear Policies: Inconsistent policies for player selection and development create mistrust among stakeholders.

3. Underdeveloped Domestic League
   Low Attendance: Poor stadium attendance due to a lack of fan engagement and interest.

Financial Struggles: Many clubs face financial difficulties, with limited sponsorships and revenue streams. Poor Infrastructure: Inadequate training facilities, poorly maintained stadiums, and limited resources for player development.

4. Youth Development Issues
   Neglect of Grassroots Football: Insufficient investment in grassroots football to nurture young talent.

Lack of Youth Academies: Few functional youth academies to provide a steady pipeline of talent for national teams and clubs.

Overreliance on Foreign-Based Players: Ghana often relies heavily on foreign-based players for the national team, neglecting local talent.

5. Corruption and Match Fixing
   Match Manipulation: Allegations of match-fixing and bribery have tainted the reputation of the league and national competitions.

Lack of Accountability: Weak enforcement of rules and penalties for corrupt practices.

6. Technical and Tactical Deficiencies
   Lack of Quality Coaching: Insufficient training for local coaches and reliance on foreign coaches who lack an understanding of the local context.

Tactical Weaknesses: Ghanaian teams often struggle tactically against better-prepared opponents.

7. Limited Investment
   Government Support: Inconsistent and inadequate financial support from the government for football development.

Private Sector Involvement: Limited sponsorship and investment from private companies.

8. Fan Disengagement
   Low Morale: Fans are losing faith due to poor performances and management scandals.

Lack of Transparency: Poor communication between the GFA and fans about decisions and policies.

9. Player Exodus
   Brain Drain: Talented players often leave Ghana early in their careers for opportunities abroad, weakening the domestic league.

Lack of Retention Strategies: Inability to retain players due to low wages and poor facilities.

To address these challenges, the following actions are necessary:

Governance Reforms: Ensure transparency, accountability, and integrity in football administration.

Infrastructure Development: Invest in modern facilities and grassroots programs.

Coach Development: Train and certify local coaches to improve tactical and technical standards.

Fan Engagement: Enhance the relationship between the football community and fans through transparency and exciting football initiatives.

Disbanding The Black Stars Is The Least Of The Problems — Dr. Nduom

Youth Development: Establish functional academies and competitive youth leagues.

Ghana as a great football nation:

Ghana is considered a great football nation for several reasons. The country is deeply embedded in Ghanaian culture, and the sport has been played at both grassroots and professional levels for decades.

Ghana has a strong passion for football, uniting communities across the country. Ghana has won the AFCON four times (1963, 1965, 1978, and 1982) and has reached the final on numerous other occasions, showcasing consistent success on the continental stage. Ghana’s U-20 team won the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2009, becoming the first African nation to achieve this feat.

Also, the Black Stars, has participated in the FIFA World Cup multiple times. Their best performance was in 2010, when they reached the quarterfinals, narrowly missing out on a historic semifinal spot in a dramatic match against Uruguay.

Players like Abedi Pele, Michael Essien, Asamoah Gyan, and Thomas Partey, Sulley Muntari and a few others have gained international recognition, playing for top clubs around the world.

Ghana had a robust system for identifying and nurturing young talent. Football academies like the ‘Right to Dream Academy’ and grassroots clubs play a vital role in producing world-class players, but is no more operational.

The country has consistently excelled in youth tournaments, proving its ability to develop promising talent.

Domestic Football:

The Ghana Premier League has historically been competitive, serving as a platform for developing players before they transition to bigger leagues globally. Clubs like Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak have achieved success in continental club competitions, adding to the nation’s footballing prestige.

Football as a unifier, transcends ethnic, religious, and political divides in Ghana, bringing people together to celebrate their shared love for the game. Major tournaments often ignite national pride and unity.