The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) has issued a strong statement calling for a comprehensive overhaul of Ghana's football administration. This move comes after a series of disappointing results by the national team, the Black Stars. SWAG is demanding that the leadership of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) step aside or take immediate action to reverse the decline. The association believes that recent failures are symptoms of deeper structural problems within the football administration.
The crisis in Ghana football was highlighted by the Black Stars' poor performance in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The team lost 2-0 away to Côte d'Ivoire and then suffered a 4-2 defeat at home to The Gambia. These results left Ghana at the bottom of Group C with zero points. Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz, who was reappointed just weeks earlier, accepted responsibility for the losses and apologized to fans. His contract was mutually terminated on October 1, after just 29 days in the role.
SWAG's statement emphasized that football remains a vital part of Ghanaian culture and a source of national pride. However, the association described the recent performances as "dismal, uninspiring, and unacceptable." The statement also noted that the problems are not isolated but rather a continuation of a longer slide. Ghana failed to qualify for the 2025 AFCON, marking the first such absence in 24 years.
SWAG is calling for a fundamental reset of Ghana's football administration, rather than just cosmetic fixes. The association's key demands include a comprehensive overhaul of the GFA, with clear accountability at every level. They also advocate for merit-based appointments to technical and administrative positions, based on competence and expertise. Additionally, SWAG wants a transparent process for selecting the next Black Stars coach and technical staff.
The association also emphasizes the need to strengthen domestic competitions, which they believe are essential for producing players capable of progressing to the national teams. SWAG notes that junior sides have been stagnating and that a modern and scientific approach is needed to manage national teams. This approach should replace what they describe as an outdated model driven by sentiment.
The crisis in Ghana football has led to increased pressure on the GFA and the sports minister. Parliament has announced plans to summon the GFA and the sports minister to discuss the Black Stars' collapse in the AFCON qualifiers. The GFA's leadership is under scrutiny, and there are calls for them to be held accountable for the team's poor performance.
The situation has also had an impact on other areas of Ghanaian sports. The National Sports Authority (NSA) director-general, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, was recently removed amid a World Cup visa probe. Meanwhile, Ghana's boxer, Seth "Freezy Macbones" Gyimah, won the vacant WBO Africa Light Heavyweight title in Lagos, defeating Nigeria's Godday "Zodsolo" Appah by majority decision on October 1.
Key points
- SWAG demands a comprehensive overhaul of Ghana's football administration.
- The association calls for merit-based appointments and a transparent process for selecting the next Black Stars coach.
- Ghana's football crisis has led to increased pressure on the GFA and the sports minister.
