IN a significant announcement during the 2024 State of the Nation Address, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo unveiled Ghana’s forthcoming presidential policy on football. The initiative, set to be implemented soon, targets the development of young talents to fortify the national teams, marking a pivotal moment in Ghana’s sports landscape.
President Akufo-Addo underscored the necessity of the policy, highlighting the need to address the shortcomings plaguing Ghana’s football, particularly evident in the performance of the men’s national team, the Black Stars. He stressed the importance of adopting a long-term vision to rectify past failures and elevate Ghana’s standing in international football.
‘The recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire was probably the nadir of the performance of the Black Stars, and has left the nation saddened. I believe it is time for us to take a long-term, far-sighted approach to correct what has gone wrong,’ remarked Akufo-Addo.
Central to the policy’s objectives is the scouting, development, and grooming of young football talents for representation in the national teams. A collaborative effort is envisaged, with the country’s school sports department of the Ministry of Education poised to work closely with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, in tandem with the Ghana Football Association. This partnership aims to establish district, regional, and national juvenile teams for both boys and girls, fostering a robust talent pipeline across the nation.
Ghana’s football trajectory has witnessed a decline in recent years, with disappointing exits from major tournaments such as the AFCON. The Black Stars’ premature elimination from the group stage in this year’s tournament mirrored a similar fate in 2021, underscoring the urgency of comprehensive reforms to rejuvenate the nation’s footballing prowess.
As Ghana prepares to unveil its presidential football policy, optimism abounds for a revitalised approach to talent development and national team success, signalling a promising chapter in the country’s sporting journey.