The future is more important than unnecessary distractions

It has become the norm that after every Black Stars World Cup campaign, the public gets angry, the GFA is attacked vehemently, some media persons are bashed, and even some politicians take their share of blame.

The sad thing is that since our 2015 AFCON final appearance, we haven't found a way forward - our football keeps declining instead of rising. Before and after every campaign is exactly when we need lasting solutions, rather than the knee-jerk approach of reacting only when things go wrong.

People outside power criticise, complain, and raise allegations, while those in power defend and protect their own interests without ever finding real solutions to our problems.

After the 2006 World Cup, when we were all happy and those in power were also pragmatic, Ghana football was on the rise - at youth level, with strong showings at the 2007 U-17 and 2009 U-20 tournaments, and with Asante Kotoko and other clubs performing well in their CAF campaigns in 2008. Then in 2010, we had a very good World Cup campaign. We followed that with solid performances from the 2013 U-20 team and good AFCON campaigns from the Black Stars.

In 2014, when the Black Stars had an average World Cup due to financial disputes, the FA, management, players, and technical team came together and doubled down to reach the AFCON final the following year. But since then, we haven't achieved anything tangible in football as a nation.

Have we truly sat down as a people to solve this problem, rather than pointing fingers at each other, defending what is wrong, and doing the necessary work of solving the core issues? While those handling the national team keep deceiving themselves and celebrating poor tournament runs, some media persons keep making allegations and accusations, and others keep defending their own interests. Is this really how we grow as a people?

How can our football rise to any appreciable height if personal interests never stop?

For me, it is the next generation that suffers most if we continue with this selfish attitude. For now, it may look like we don't care what the future holds once we've left power - but remember, the universe never forgets. This selfish mindset will come back to affect us all in the long run.

In conclusion, Ghana football doesn't need more blame - it needs accountability paired with a genuine plan. The cycle of outrage after every tournament, followed by silence until the next one, has cost us over a decade of progress. If those in charge and those criticising from outside can find common ground and commit to real structural change - in youth development, league standards, and administration - rather than protecting personal interests, the next generation won't have to inherit the same disappointment we've carried since 2015. The time to build is now, not after the next tournament exit.

By Evans Amewugah

Send your news stories to [email protected] and via WhatsApp on +233 546310076.

Read Full Story