Ghana President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has announced plans to unveil a comprehensive Presidential Policy on Football in an effort to breathe new life into Ghana’s national football team,
During his 2024 State of the Nation address on Tuesday, February 27, President Akufo-Addo acknowledged Ghana’s rich football history and culture, while also expressing disappointment in the Black Stars’ recent declines, especially evident in recent Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
To address this downward trajectory, Akufo-Addo stressed the need for long-term planning.
“I believe it is time for us to take a long-term, far-sighted approach to correct what has gone wrong, he said.
“It is time to return to scouting, grooming and developing talent at the district grassroots level under a Presidential Policy on Football that I intend to unveil.
“The school sports department of the Ministry of Education will work hand in hand with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, in collaboration and synergy with the Ghana Football Association (GFA), to build district, regional and national juvenile teams for both boys and girls.”
The policy will focus on nurturing talent starting at the district and juvenile levels, with collaboration between the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Ghana Football Association. With over 150 astro turf pitches already built across the country, the government aims to provide youth access to quality facilities and coaching.
Merit-based selection will be emphasized to ensure progression from grassroots to national teams is based solely on performance, not external factors.
Drawing parallels to successful initiatives in the past, such as the five-year development plan of former GFA president Ben Kuofie under former President JA Kufuor, Akufo-Addo noted that patience and dedication over time will be required. But with proper implementation, he expressed confidence Ghana will once again become a football powerhouse.
