Former Ghanaian football star Augustine Ahinful has passionately appealed to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to integrate more former players into the management of the Black Stars.

His plea follows the unveiling of the new Management Committee for the senior national team, which features Stephen Appiah, the iconic ex-Black Stars captain, as Vice Chairman and head of player relations. Despite this, Ahinful believes the inclusion of more ex-players can help rejuvenate the national team and foster stronger connections with current players.

Speaking on Accra-based Sporty FM, Ahinful reflected on the proactive steps taken by former Sports Minister Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah to involve ex-players during his tenure. He recounted how the minister, after consulting with the Professional Footballers Association of Ghana (PFAG), mandated the inclusion of former stars like himself, Appiah, Osei Kuffour, and CK Akonnor in the Black Stars’ activities.

Ahinful shared his personal experience as part of the technical committee during that period, tasked with advising on strategies to elevate the national team’s performance.

“When Elvis Afriyie Ankrah became Sports Minister, he met with us and the PFAG. Following those discussions, he instructed that myself, Stephen Appiah, Osei Kuffour, and CK Akonnor should be actively involved in Black Stars matches,” Ahinful recalled. “I was part of the technical committee and contributed by advising on how to advance the fortunes of the national teams and by engaging with the players directly.”

With Ghana’s recent struggles on the international stage, Ahinful emphasized that former players’ insights and experience could serve as a valuable resource in rebuilding the Black Stars.