The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) has called for urgent reforms in the administration of Ghana football, urging the leadership of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to reverse the decline of the country’s national teams or step aside in the national interest.
In a statement issued on October 1, SWAG said recent results involving the Black Stars, particularly the defeats to Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, have heightened concerns about the state of Ghana football.
SWAG Demands Reforms in Ghana Football
According to SWAG, football remains an important source of national unity and pride in Ghana. However, the association said the recent performances of the national teams have fallen short of expectations.
The association cited Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which ended a 24-year run of consecutive AFCON appearances, as well as recurring poor results and early exits from competitions.
SWAG said the challenges extend beyond the senior national team and pointed to what it described as a decline in tactical identity and competitiveness across Ghana’s national football teams.
Calls for Overhaul of GFA Administration
SWAG is advocating a comprehensive review of Ghana’s football administration, arguing that frequent coaching changes have not resolved the underlying problems affecting the national teams.
The association wants technical and administrative appointments to be based on competence, proven track record and technical expertise.
It also called for a more modern and scientific approach to managing the Black Stars and other national teams, with greater emphasis on long-term planning and institutional structures.
SWAG Calls for Merit-Based Appointments
The sports writers’ body further urged authorities to ensure that appointments within Ghana’s national teams are based on merit.
SWAG called for the management of the national teams to be separated from political considerations and for qualified professionals with relevant experience to be given responsibility for technical and administrative positions.
The association also wants greater accountability at different levels of the Ghana Football Association.
Domestic League Development
SWAG said strengthening Ghana’s domestic football competitions should form part of the reforms needed to improve the national teams.
The association described the local leagues as an important foundation for developing technically sound and competitive Ghanaian players who can progress from youth football into the senior national teams.
It therefore called for measures to improve domestic football and create a stronger pathway for player development in Ghana.
SWAG Issues Challenge to GFA Leadership
SWAG said Ghana football has reached a stage where competence and accountability should take priority over sentiment.
The association consequently called on the GFA leadership to immediately address the declining fortunes of the national teams or step aside.
SWAG further proposed that, if the GFA leadership does not reverse the situation, the management of Ghana’s national teams could be handed over to an Independent Public Interest Committee.
The association also argued that repeated apologies and blame-shifting should give way to concrete measures aimed at improving the competitiveness of Ghana football.
The statement comes amid increased scrutiny of the GFA following the Black Stars’ opening defeats in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. Ghana lost 2-0 to Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké before suffering a 4-2 home defeat against The Gambia.
Source: newsthemegh.com