KEY POINTS
- Stephen Appiah calls for increased government investment in Ghanaian football.
- He highlights the neglect of youth and women’s football, stressing equal support for all levels of the sport.
- The fact-finding committee, led by MP Kobena Mensah Woyome, aims to address the concerns raised about the state of football in Ghana.
Former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah has called on the Ghanaian government to significantly increase its investment in the country’s football sector.
Speaking before a parliamentary fact-finding committee on Wednesday, September 24, 2024, Appiah emphasized the need for financial support to rejuvenate football at all levels, not just for the senior national team.
Appiah expressed his concern over the declining interest in football among Ghanaians, citing the nation’s 40-year trophy drought, with the last Africa Cup of Nations win dating back to 1982. “Many football lovers have lost hope, and that is not good for the country. It’s sad that Ghana has not won any trophy in the last 40 years,” Appiah remarked during the session.
Equal attention to youth and women’s football
Appiah also highlighted the neglect of youth teams, including the under-17, under-20, and under-23 squads, as well as women’s football. He stressed the importance of providing equal attention and funding to these teams, arguing that the development of Ghanaian football requires investment across all categories, not just the senior men’s team.
According to Graphic Online, he further criticized the lack of opportunities for players who excel during qualification stages but are often left out of major tournaments, stating that this practice undermines team unity and affects overall performance.
Government promises corrective action
The session also included contributions from Seth Panwun Boyoyo, Chairman of the National Sports Authority. Boyoyo acknowledged the challenges facing the sport, particularly highlighting the substandard pitch conditions during Ghana’s recent match against Angola. He described the situation as “unfortunate” and assured the committee that corrective measures were being implemented.
The fact-finding committee, chaired by MP Kobena Mensah Woyome, was established following a petition by the Fix Ghana Group earlier this year. The group raised 15 points concerning the declining state of football in Ghana. Woyome encouraged all participants in the inquiry to speak freely and without fear, noting that their input would be vital to shaping policies aimed at improving the sport.
“We want your presentations to be bold and free from fear or favour. Your input is crucial to addressing the concerns raised,” Woyome stated.
The committee’s findings are expected to influence future decisions and policies designed to restore Ghana’s footballing glory.
