In 1957, Ghana became the first sub-Saharan African nation to gain independence, and with it, a footballing legacy was born. The Black Stars, once a beacon of pride, unity, and excellence, were the heart of Ghanaian identity. For decades, they stood as one of Africa’s strongest footballing nations, inspiring generations of fans and players alike. But now, that light has dimmed, and Ghana football stands on the brink of total collapse.

The fall from grace has been swift and brutal, spearheaded by an inept Ghana Football Association (GFA) under the leadership of Kurt Okraku. His tenure, which began in 2019, promised a new dawn for Ghanaian football but instead brought stagnation, chaos, and disastrous mismanagement. The hope that Ghana could return to its former glory has been crushed under the weight of corruption, poor decision-making, and a catastrophic lack of direction.

A clear indication of the decline was seen in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) performance. After a narrow loss in the 2015 final to Ivory Coast, Ghana’s football began its steep descent. The team’s performance in subsequent tournaments tells the story of a nation in freefall:

2017: Quarterfinal exit

2019: Round of 16 defeat

2021: Group-stage elimination, a historic low

2023: Failure to qualify for AFCON 2024

In a group consisting of Niger, Sudan, and Angola—teams far from Africa’s elite—Ghana managed only three goals in six qualifying matches, failing to win a single game. The Black Stars, four-time AFCON champions, are now watching from the sidelines, paralyzed by mediocrity.

At the heart of this collapse is Otto Addo, the coach who, despite his association with Jürgen Klopp, failed to inspire or improve the team. Under his leadership, Ghana’s tactical approach was uninspired, and the team lacked any clear sense of direction. Addo’s defense of his performance—blaming a lack of good results on his training under Klopp—was nothing more than an empty excuse.

While the Black Stars struggle on the international stage, the rot extends to the domestic league. The once-thriving Ghana Premier League (GPL), once home to teams like Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak, is now a shell of its former self. The league has become plagued by corruption, poor governance, and a lack of investment in youth development. As a result, young talents are bypassing the domestic scene for opportunities abroad, leaving the national team without a pipeline of fresh talent.

The GFA’s role in this downfall is undeniable. Under Kurt Okraku’s leadership, the association has failed to prioritize the development of the game, opting instead for petty power struggles and short-term fixes. The GFA’s reckless hiring and firing of coaches has added to the instability, preventing any real progress from being made.

But all is not lost. While Ghanaian football is in ruins, there is still hope for a revival. The road to recovery will be long and painful, but it begins with acknowledging the failures and committing to a complete overhaul. To rebuild, Ghana must:

1. Revitalize the Ghana Premier League: Focus on cleaning up corruption, improving governance, and developing young talent to restore the league’s status as a feeder for the national team.

2. Appoint a Merit-Based Coach: The next coach must be chosen based on their qualifications and ability to navigate the challenges of African football—not political ties.

3. Invest in Grassroots Development: Football academies and community-based talent identification programs need to be established to cultivate young players from the ground up.

4. Hold the GFA Accountable: The current GFA leadership, under Okraku, must be held responsible for their failures. If they refuse to step aside, they must be removed.

5. Rally National Support: The Ghanaian people, the media, and corporate sponsors must unite to support the national team and the rebuilding process.

Ghana football’s rhythm may have faltered, but it is not beyond repair. As an Akan proverb states, “When the drumbeat changes, so must the dance.” It is time for a new beat to emerge—a rhythm that leads Ghana football back to its former glory.