Former National Sports Authority Board Chairman Seth Panwum has urged Ghana Football Association President Kurt Okraku to resign following the Black Stars' disappointing start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Ghana lost their opening two Group C matches, leaving them without a point and facing a tough battle to qualify. The team began their campaign with a 2-0 defeat by Côte d’Ivoire and suffered a 4-2 loss to The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The recent results have sparked widespread criticism of the team's performance and management. Panwum described the loss to The Gambia as a "significant setback" and emphasized that Ghana cannot afford to accept the current situation as normal. He compared the current situation to Ghana's home performances under the previous administration, citing a 1-0 home victory over Mali in the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign as an example of the team's previous competitiveness.
Panwum attributed the decline in standards to poor management, match preparation, and tactical output. He stated that while injuries, suspensions, and difficult circumstances are inevitable in football, the difference between Ghana and opponents like Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia lies in better management. The former NSA chairman believes The Gambia's victory in Accra should prompt a reassessment of the current approach.
Panwum called on Okraku to take responsibility for the current state of Ghanaian football and step down from his position. He stated that Okraku's resignation would create an opportunity for a change in leadership and allow Ghana football to embark on a broader rebuilding and reform process. The consecutive defeats have increased pressure on coach Carlos Queiroz and his players.
Ghana now needs a significant improvement in their remaining Group C matches to revive their qualifying campaign. The Black Stars are scheduled to face Somalia twice in October. Ghana are seeking to return to the AFCON after missing the 2025 tournament in Morocco, ending a run of more than two decades of consecutive appearances at the competition.
As the NPP spokesperson on sports, Panwum emphasized the need for a change in leadership to address the current challenges facing Ghanaian football. He cited the need for better management, match preparation, and tactical output to improve the team's performance. The team's poor start has raised concerns about the future of Ghanaian football.
The pressure on Okraku and the team's management has increased following Panwum's comments. The GFA president has yet to respond to Panwum's calls for his resignation. The team's next matches against Somalia will be crucial in determining their chances of qualifying for the 2027 AFCON.
Key points
- Former NSA Chairman Seth Panwum calls for GFA President Kurt Okraku's resignation
- Ghana loses opening two Group C matches, sparking criticism of team's performance and management
- Team faces Somalia twice in October in attempt to revive qualifying campaign
