Ghana President Nana Akufo-Addo has voiced his perplexity at the recent underwhelming performance of the national football team, the Black Stars, despite the country’s wealth of talent.
The team faced a setback with a recent upset against Comoros in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, prompting concerns as they prepare for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
In a meeting with the leadership of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) at the Jubilee House, President Akufo-Addo expressed worry over the team’s struggle to secure significant victories in recent tournaments.
Noting that Ghana has not won a major trophy in the last 41 years, the President acknowledged the heightened expectations placed on the national team.
“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,” stated Akufo-Addo, as quoted by Adom Online.
Highlighting the abundance of talent within the country, the President expressed his confusion over the team’s inability to perform well in tournaments..
“We have some very good talents scattered across the globe, so I don’t understand why we shouldn’t perform in tournaments.”
“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 neighboring Cote d’Ivoire,” he emphasised.
With Ghana placed in a challenging group alongside Egypt, Cape Verde, and Mozambique in the upcoming AFCON, President Akufo-Addo urged the team to strive for success and acknowledged the high expectations surrounding the tournament.
The last time Ghana secured the AFCON title was in 1982 and the president encouraged everyone involved to make concerted efforts to bring home the coveted trophy.
The 2023 AFCON to be hosted by Ivory Coast begins on January 13 and ends on February 11, 2024.