Former Ghana U-17 and Asante Kotoko Head Coach Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum has called for a complete rethink of Ghana’s grassroots football development, with particular emphasis on the need for qualified, experienced and well-trained coaches.
Speaking to the media after the 32nd Ghana Football Association Congress, Dr. Ogum said the country has no shortage of talented young footballers but must improve the environment in which those talents are identified and developed.
He noted that Ghanaian youngsters are increasingly attracting interest from foreign clubs at a very early age, particularly after featuring in youth competitions such as the U-15 and U-17 levels.
According to him, the rapid movement of these players abroad means many of them do not spend enough time within Ghana’s football development structure.
However, he believes this should not discourage the country from continuing to identify, develop and invest in young players.
Dr. Ogum acknowledged that many Ghanaian talents experience significant improvements after moving abroad because they are exposed to more organised football structures, better development programmes and consistent coaching systems.
He, therefore, believes Ghana must focus on strengthening the foundation of its own football system, particularly at the grassroots level.
For the former Black Starlets coach, the quality of coaching at the grassroots must be a priority.
He argued that having passion for football or experience as a former player does not automatically make someone equipped to coach young players effectively.
He expressed concern that some grassroots coaches lack the required coaching licences and may rely largely on their personal playing experiences when training young footballers.
The former Kotoko coach believes Ghana must provide these coaches with the appropriate education, training and modern coaching methodologies.
“We need competent, quality and qualified coaches at the grassroots level — coaches with the experience and knowledge to develop these young players properly,” he stressed.
He also pointed to footballing countries where highly experienced coaches are involved in youth development, saying Ghana can adopt similar practices to improve its own system.
He, however, believes former players and passionate individuals who want to enter coaching should be supported rather than sidelined.
He called for a stronger grassroots coaching development programme that would equip them with the technical knowledge, content and methodology required to guide young players through each stage of their development.
He explained that properly trained grassroots coaches can help young talents develop gradually and make the transition from youth football to the professional level more effectively.
Dr. Ogum’s comments come amid growing discussions about Ghana’s football development and how the country can better harness its young talents to build a stronger and more sustainable football system.
By Isaac Ansah Apagya|Onua Sports|Onuaonlone.com|Ghana
