The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) has expressed deep concern over the decline of the Black Stars and Ghana football, following consecutive defeats in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. Ghana lost 2-0 to Côte d'Ivoire in Bouaké and 4-2 to The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium, leaving them at the bottom of Group C without a point. SWAG President Kwabena Yeboah stated that the recent performances of Ghana's national teams, particularly the senior side, are a source of serious concern.
SWAG pointed to Ghana's failure to qualify for the 2025 AFCON, which ended a two-decade run of successive appearances at the continental tournament. The association believes that the latest setbacks are not isolated incidents but evidence of deeper structural problems within Ghana football that require fundamental reforms. SWAG noted that Ghana's junior national teams are stagnating, and the gap between national teams and supporters is growing.
SWAG questioned the repeated coaching changes, with Carlos Queiroz's potential departure representing the latest in a series of coaching changes since 2019. The association argued that changing coaches alone would not address the deeper administrative and structural challenges within Ghana football. SWAG emphasized that the constant factor through these changes has been the administration that appointed them.
The association further argued that Ghana can no longer depend solely on the country's pool of talented players to restore the Black Stars to their former status. SWAG stated that the respect Ghana once commanded across Africa and the world is fading, and that raw talent alone or repeated changes of coach will not restore fortunes in a modern game driven by science, strategy, and strong structures.
SWAG outlined several measures to address the challenges confronting the national teams, including a comprehensive review of national team management with clear accountability at every level of the Ghana Football Association. The association also called for a transparent and merit-based appointment process for the next Black Stars coach and technical team, based on competence and proven track record.
A revitalized domestic league capable of developing homegrown talent and creating a clear pathway from youth football to the senior national team is another key reform proposed by SWAG. The association believes that Ghana football has reached a critical point where long-term structural reforms are needed instead of temporary solutions. SWAG urged the leadership of the Ghana Football Association to take decisive steps to reverse the decline of the national teams.
SWAG also called on the government to strengthen its oversight of the national teams, particularly due to public funding involved. The association emphasized that sentiment must give way to competence, and that the current approach to managing national teams is outdated and unscientific.
Key points
- SWAG calls for comprehensive review of national team management and transparent appointment process for Black Stars coach.
- Association proposes revitalized domestic league to develop homegrown talent.
- SWAG urges government to strengthen oversight of national teams due to public funding.
