In a recent development, a group of Ghanaians, led by prominent sports journalists and others, took to the streets to protest against the poor administration of football in the country.
However, the protest has been criticized by Oduro Sarfo, a member of the Ghana Football Association Executive Council.
Sarfo alleged that the organizers included slay queens lacking football expertise. During an interview with Promise Radio, Sarfo expressed his disappointment, stating that The Save Ghana Football demonstration was not impressive and lacked proper organization.
This protest, which began at the Obra Spot near the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, saw demonstrators marching through the main streets towards Black Star Square.
Notable figures such as Saddick Adams (Sports Obama), Patrick Osei Agyemang (Countryman Songo), Collins Atta Poku, and Veronica Commey spearheaded the protest, demanding better management of football in Ghana.
The objective of this demonstration was to exert pressure on the Ghana Football Association (GFA), the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and other football stakeholders to implement reforms that will improve the performance of the sport.
During the protest, a petition was presented to the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, outlining key reforms that are necessary. These reforms include the development of a national football policy and the establishment of a commission of inquiry to investigate the underperformance of the national teams.
Furthermore, the protesters emphasized the importance of accountability in the allocation of funds generated from tournaments like the World Cup, as well as the dissolution of management committees for national teams.
Ghana, once a dominant force in football, has experienced a significant decline in recent years, particularly evident in its poor performances in major tournaments like the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
This decline was further highlighted during Ghana’s recent AFCON tournament in Ivory Coast, where the team suffered a defeat in one out of three matches and ultimately failed to advance to the group stage for the second consecutive time, being eliminated by underdogs Mozambique.
Furthermore, it has been forty-two years since Ghana last claimed victory in the AFCON, and this prolonged drought has led to a noticeable change in people’s attitudes. The local leagues are currently in a state of disarray, lacking proper leadership and direction.
Meanwhile, some of the placards seen at the protest had the messages: “Lack of vision for our football”, “No bribe before you play for our national team”, “Football brings us together, not politics” and “Competent people should lead the MOYS” (Ministry for Youth and Sports).
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