Former National Sports Authority (NSA) Chief Executive Officer Seth Panwum has called for the resignation of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) President following the Black Stars’ 4–2 defeat to The Gambia in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
The Black Stars suffered the disappointing defeat at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, extending Ghana’s losing run in the opening matches of the AFCON qualifying campaign.
Panwum described the result as a “serious warning about the direction of Ghana football” and called for greater accountability from the leadership of the GFA.
Panwum Demands Accountability From GFA Leadership
In a statement issued to the Daily Graphic in Accra on Wednesday, September 30, Panwum, who also serves as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) spokesperson on sports, said the defeat was particularly painful because it occurred on home soil.
He said the result represented a major setback for the Ghana national football team, whose supporters expect the Black Stars to perform strongly, particularly when playing in Accra.
“We cannot normalise this,” Panwum stated.
He compared the team’s current performance with what he described as a stronger home record under the previous NPP administration, including Ghana’s 1–0 home victory over Mali during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
According to Panwum, Ghana is now experiencing what he described as a decline in football standards.
Injuries Not the Main Issue, Panwum Says
Panwum said his criticism was not aimed at individual Black Stars players or the injuries affecting the squad.
He acknowledged that injuries, suspensions and other challenges are part of football but argued that the difference between Ghana and teams such as Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia comes down to management, match preparation and tactical execution.
“The Gambia came to Accra and defeated Ghana 4–2. That result should compel every serious football administrator to pause and ask whether the current approach is working,” he said.
Call for GFA President to Resign
Panwum subsequently called on the GFA President to accept responsibility for the current state of Ghana football and resign from office.
“As the NPP spokesperson on sports, I am therefore calling on the President of the GFA to take responsibility for the current state of Ghana football and resign from office,” he said.
According to Panwum, such a resignation would create an opportunity for a new leadership direction and allow Ghana football to begin a broader process of rebuilding, reform and restoration.
Proposed Reforms for Ghana Football
Panwum also outlined several measures he believes could help reset Ghana football.
Among his proposals are:
- A comprehensive technical review of the Black Stars.
- A transparent assessment of national-team preparation.
- Stronger accountability within the Ghana Football Association.
- Increased investment in youth football development.
- Greater support for the domestic football league and grassroots development.
He stressed that the Black Stars belong to the Ghanaian people rather than any individual, political party, government or football administration.
“Ghana football deserves better. The Black Stars deserve better and the Ghanaian football supporter deserves accountability,” he emphasised.
Black Stars Suffer Two Straight AFCON Qualifying Defeats
The 4–2 defeat to The Gambia marked the second consecutive loss for the Black Stars in the opening two matches of Ghana’s 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.
Ghana had previously suffered a 2–0 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire, leaving the national team under pressure as the qualification campaign continues.
The results have intensified discussions about the performance of the Black Stars, the technical direction of the team and the leadership of Ghana football.
Source: newsthemegh.com