Ghanaian football is reeling from a historic low as the Black Stars failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time in two decades. This unprecedented setback has drawn sharp criticism from the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG), which has called for immediate reforms to address the decline of the nation’s football.

The Black Stars, once a powerhouse on the continent, endured a dismal qualifying campaign, finishing at the bottom of their group with no wins in six matches and scoring only three goals. This performance is a far cry from the team’s golden years, when they consistently reached the latter stages of the tournament between 2008 and 2017.

SWAG expressed deep concern over the failure, citing it as a reflection of broader issues within Ghanaian football. The association highlighted the disparity between the talent pool, substantial public and governmental support, and the results on the pitch. “This failure isn’t just about missing a tournament; it signals a worrying decline in Ghana football,” their statement read.

The association urged stakeholders, including the Ghana Football Association (GFA), to engage in honest and open dialogue to identify and tackle the root causes of this decline. They emphasized the need for accountability and decisive action, even suggesting leadership changes at the GFA if necessary.

SWAG drew comparisons to the team’s resilience following a similar disappointment in 2004 and called on Ghanaians to support any tough decisions aimed at revitalizing the Black Stars. “The fans deserve better, and Ghana football must rise again,” the statement concluded.

As Ghanaian football stands at a critical juncture, SWAG’s call for change is a rallying cry to restore the Black Stars to their former glory.