Former Western Region Football Association chairman Kojo Yankah has expressed concerns over the state of Ghanaian football, attributing its decline to the leadership of Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kurt Okraku. Yankah's comments come on the heels of the Black Stars' disappointing start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. The team suffered back-to-back losses, first to Ivory Coast and then to The Gambia, with the latter being a 4-2 defeat at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The Black Stars' poor performance has raised questions about Ghana's chances of qualifying for the 2027 AFCON. The team currently sits at the bottom of Group C without a single point. This recent setback follows Ghana's absence from the 2025 tournament in Morocco, where they finished last in their qualifying group, ending a streak of over two decades of consecutive appearances at the finals.
Yankah did not hold back in his criticism of Okraku, stating that Ghana football has deteriorated under his leadership. He also questioned the inclusion of Baba Rahman in Ghana's squad for the 2026 World Cup, suggesting that personal interests may have influenced the decision. According to Yankah, the state of Ghanaian football is a clear indication of the problems associated with Okraku's administration.
The recent developments have added pressure on the GFA, with the national team's poor performance sparking renewed concerns about its future. The departure of head coach Carlos Queiroz, who resigned after the team's disappointing start, has left the position vacant. In response, the GFA and the Sports Ministry have formed a five-member technical search committee to identify and recommend candidates for the role.
The search committee is expected to submit its report on Friday, 9 October. The committee's task will be crucial in determining the future direction of the national team. Ghana will attempt to revive their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign when they face Somalia in a double-header in October, with both matches scheduled to take place at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The team's upcoming matches against Somalia will provide an opportunity for the Black Stars to bounce back and improve their standing in Group C. However, with the current state of the team and the controversies surrounding the GFA, it remains to be seen how the team will perform. Yankah's comments have added to the growing criticism of Okraku's leadership, and it will be interesting to see how the GFA responds to the concerns raised.
As the search for a new head coach continues, the GFA will be under pressure to address the issues affecting the national team. The team's performance in the upcoming matches will be closely watched, and the decisions made by the search committee will be crucial in shaping the future of Ghanaian football. The GFA must consider the concerns raised by Yankah and other stakeholders to ensure the team's success.
Key points
- Kojo Yankah criticizes GFA president Kurt Okraku for Ghana football's decline
- Black Stars struggle in 2027 AFCON qualifiers with back-to-back losses
- Search committee to recommend candidates for vacant head coach position
