President Akufo-Addo has expressed his bewilderment over Ghana’s consistent underperformance in football tournaments despite the abundance of talent in the country.
The Black Stars, Ghana’s national football team, faced early exits in the last two major competitions they participated in—being eliminated at the group stages of both the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in January 2022 and the 2022 World Cup in December of the same year.
This disappointing streak follows a round of 16 exit at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, where they were defeated in a penalty shootout against Tunisia. President Akufo-Addo conveyed his concerns and sought answers during a meeting with the Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association on Wednesday.
“As an avid football fan, I am very much aware of the challenges that confront us, as results have not been good in recent games. But you can count on me for the necessary support,” the President said.
“We have some very good talents scattered across the globe, so I don’t understand why we shouldn’t perform in tournaments.”
Emphasizing the need for a turnaround, President Akufo-Addo urged the association to ensure the Black Stars receive the best possible preparation ahead of the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to commence in Ivory Coast in just 23 days.
Additionally, President Akufo-Addo took the opportunity to remind the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and its affiliated bodies of the profound significance that football holds for the people of Ghana. The President emphasized the deep connection and passion that Ghanaians have for the sport, underscoring the importance of understanding and acknowledging the collective sentiment towards football in the country.
“Ghanaians are obsessed with football, and you have the mandate of ensuring that our game is on the right path. We have the Africa Cup of Nations in a few days, and it is our responsibility to give the technical team and the playing body the needed support to succeed in neighbouring Cote d’Ivoire.
“It’s been forty-one years since Ghana won the Africa Cup of Nations. If my memory serves me right, we have played in a couple of finals in recent times and lost on penalties in 2015. Expectations are very high, so let’s do our best to make this tournament a success.”