Former National Sports Authority (NSA) Board Chairman Seth Panwum has expressed concerns over the decision to send Ghana's Black Starlets to Burkina Faso by road for the 2026 WAFU Zone B Under-17 Championship. Panwum questioned the welfare and safety of the teenage players, given the length of the journey and security concerns in parts of the Sahel region. The team travelled approximately 960km by bus from Ghana to Ouagadougou, taking over 20 hours.
Panwum, also a former Wa All Stars general manager, spoke to Adom FM, questioning why the team was not flown to Burkina Faso. He emphasized that the welfare and safety of the players should have been prioritized. "Why will you subject people's children to that ordeal? Anything could have happened to them on the way," he said. The team's journey began after four days of training at the Winkogo Technical Centre in Bolgatanga.
Panwum also questioned the role of the Ministry of Sports and Recreation in approving the travel arrangements. He asked, "And what did the ministry also do about it? These are the questions you journalists should be asking the government." He highlighted the importance of the Under-17 team to Ghana's football development, representing the foundation of the country's national-team system.
According to Panwum, exposing young players to unnecessary risks could have consequences for Ghana's long-term football development. He warned, "If we are talking about the foundation of Ghana football, the U-17 is where Ghana football starts." He cited security concerns associated with travelling through parts of the region, referencing the 2010 attack on the Togo national team in Angola.
Panwum challenged the authorities to consider whether they would make the same decision if the players were their own children. "In private life, will the sports minister allow his kids to go to Burkina Faso by road?" he asked. The Black Starlets' trip came just days after their return from Morocco, where they played two friendly matches against the hosts.
Ghana won the first game 2-0 before losing the second 2-1 with the final kick of the match. The Black Starlets have arrived safely in Ouagadougou, with no reported security incidents during the journey. Ghana will begin their WAFU Zone B campaign against Togo at the 4th August Sports Stadium in Ouagadougou on 10 October.
The team will then face Benin on 13 October before playing hosts Burkina Faso on 16 October. The tournament also serves as the qualifying competition for the 2027 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, with the two finalists securing qualification for the continental tournament. The Black Starlets' performance will be crucial in determining Ghana's football future.
Key points
- Seth Panwum questions Ghana's decision to send Black Starlets to Burkina Faso by road for WAFU Zone B U-17 Championship
- Panwum emphasizes the importance of prioritizing players' welfare and safety
- The Black Starlets will play Togo, Benin, and Burkina Faso in the WAFU Zone B tournament
