Hundreds of passionate Ghanaian football fans took to the streets of Accra on Wednesday, their red and black shirts emblazoned with the message “Save Ghana Football.”
Their frustration stemmed from the Black Stars’ disappointing exit from the group stage of the recent Africa Cup of Nations, a stark contrast to the team’s past glories.
Ghana, a four-time champion of the Nations Cup but without a title since 1982, has also graced the World Cup stage four times, most notably reaching the quarter-finals in 2010. However, recent performances have fallen short of expectations.
Following a lacklustre showing in the Nations Cup, where they finished third in their group with just two points, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) dismissed coach Chris Hughton last month.
Hughton, appointed in March, managed only four wins in 13 matches, entering the tournament under considerable pressure.
The GFA, currently led by president Kurt Okraku, is now on the hunt for their fifth Black Stars coach in five years. This instability, coupled with the team’s declining performance, has fueled public discontent.
Protesters submitted a petition to Parliament, calling it “an unprecedented moment” and demanding an investigation into Ghana’s participation in the 2022 World Cup and the 2023 Nations Cup, citing allegations of corruption and wasteful spending by the GFA.
Beyond accountability, the petition advocates for a national football policy, increased investment in grassroots development, and improvements to the local league.
“Football belongs to us, not the GFA,” declared Saddick Adams, a lead convener of the protest. The demonstrators emphasize this notion, urging a national approach to revive the sport they deeply cherish.
The GFA has yet to respond to the protesters’ demands. While the future of Ghana football remains uncertain, one thing is clear: the passionate fans are demanding change, seeking to restore their beloved Black Stars to their former glory.
