Independent presidential candidate Nana Kwame Bediako has taken a critical stance on the state of Ghanaian football, calling out what he describes as excessive politics in the selection process for national teams.

Speaking in an interview aired on Asempa FM, the leader of The New Force party alleged that financial influences often determine player selection rather than merit. He also highlighted restrictive practices that hinder players from reaching their full potential.

“First of all, there’s too much politics going on. You have to pay money before you even get selected,” Bediako said. “Please, get the player on the pitch. His brain is in his foot—let him use it. Don’t restrict him.”

Beyond the internal challenges, Bediako criticized the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for failing to adopt successful strategies from organizations like FIFA, emphasizing the global body’s lucrative broadcasting partnerships as a model Ghana could emulate.

“FIFA makes most of its money from broadcasting, which gives them power. They’ve not just created a platform for football but built strong relationships with television networks worldwide,” he noted.

These remarks come in the wake of Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time in 21 years, reigniting debates about systemic problems in Ghanaian football.