Accra, February 14, 2024, The Europe Today: In a display of collective frustration, hundreds of soccer fans flooded the streets of Ghana’s capital, Accra, on Wednesday, demanding improved governance for football following the disappointing performance of the national team, the Black Stars, at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Wearing black and red T-shirts emblazoned with the message “Save Ghana football” and brandishing placards, the demonstrators marched through the main thoroughfares to voice their discontent over the Black Stars’ lackluster displays in recent major tournaments.
Although Ghana boasts four Africa Cup of Nations titles, the team has not clinched the championship since 1982. Despite qualifying for four World Cups and reaching the quarter-finals in 2010, the recent struggles of the Black Stars have ignited calls for change.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) took decisive action last month by dismissing coach Chris Hughton after the team finished third in Group B at the Nations Cup, securing only two points in three matches. Hughton, who assumed the coaching role in March, faced mounting pressure after winning just four of his 13 matches in charge.
The GFA, led by Kurt Okraku, is now tasked with appointing its fifth coach for the Black Stars in the past five years.
Presenting their grievances, the protesters submitted a petition to Parliament, asserting that Ghanaian football is undergoing an unprecedented dark period. They called for an investigation into Ghana’s participation in the 2022 World Cup and the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, alleging corruption and wasteful spending by the GFA during these tournaments.
Among their demands were calls for President Nana Akufo-Addo to initiate an inquiry, the formulation of a national football policy, increased investment in grassroots football, and enhancements to the local league.
The petition stated, “Football belongs to us, not the GFA,” emphasizing the need for reforms to restore the nation’s footballing pride. Lead convener Saddick Adams underscored that the current moment presents a unique opportunity for the nation to overhaul its footballing structure and bring the game back to its former glory.
