Football fans in Keta, Ghana, have expressed support for former Black Stars captain André Dede Ayew to contest the Ghana Football Association (GFA) presidential election. They believe his experience as a player could help address the challenges facing Ghana's national teams. The fans' endorsement comes amid scrutiny of the GFA following the Black Stars' poor performance in their first two 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The Black Stars lost their opening matches to Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia, leading to the departure of head coach Carlos Queiroz. In response, the GFA and Ministry of Sports and Recreation established a five-member Search Committee to recruit a new head coach. The committee includes Fred Pappoe, Anthony Baffoe, Agbesi Dzakpasu, Stephen Appiah, and Faisal Chibsah. Fans are calling for changes in Ghana football, with some demanding the dissolution of the GFA.
Many Ghanaians have criticized the GFA's leadership, citing the team's failure to qualify for the 2025 AFCON and poor performance in the 2027 qualifiers. Some fans, like Selasi Adzidoboo, believe the GFA President, Kurt Simon Okraku, and his executives should resign. Adzidoboo argued that the current leadership has failed to promote football from the grassroots to the senior level, with the Black Stars having had seven coaches in seven years.
The Ministry of Sports and Recreation has issued seven demands to the GFA as part of a restructuring plan for Ghana football. These demands include dissolving the Black Stars' technical team and existing national team management committees, and establishing a National Technical Management Committee. The Ministry also wants a consolidated structure for national youth teams and a say in selecting development coaches.
Fans in Keta believe that new leadership in Ghana football could restore confidence in the Black Stars, with Dede Ayew being a potential candidate. Ayew's experience as a player and captain of the Black Stars could be an asset in tackling the challenges facing Ghana football. Some fans, however, are debating whether Ayew or other former Black Stars legends, such as Asamoah Gyan or Stephen Appiah, would be a better choice.
The GFA's leadership has faced criticism for its handling of Ghana football, with some calling for government intervention. However, government interference could lead to sanctions from FIFA, including a ban. The Ministry's demands aim to establish a more collaborative approach between the government and the GFA.
As calls for change grow, fans in Keta and across Ghana are hoping for a new era in Ghana football. With Dede Ayew potentially contesting the GFA presidential election, the country's football landscape could be set for a significant shift. The outcome will likely have a lasting impact on the sport in Ghana.
Key points
- Dede Ayew's potential candidacy for the GFA presidential election has garnered support from football fans in Keta.
- The GFA faces criticism for its handling of Ghana football, with fans calling for changes in leadership.
- The Ministry of Sports and Recreation has issued seven demands to the GFA as part of a restructuring plan for Ghana football.
