The Ministry of Youth and Sports has served notice a strategic plan will be announced in the coming days to identify the causes of the recent poor showing of the Black Stars.
There will also be a roadmap towards the revival of the national senior men’s soccer team.
This will be done in collaboration with national team stakeholders.
“We recognise the urgent necessity to address the underlying issues and are poised to embrace holistic approach towards rebuilding and reviving our football.”
These were contained in a statement issued on Thursday, January 25, a couple of days after the team exited the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023).
Ghana failed to win at the tournament after losing to Cape Verde
The two points were not enough to even propel the team to the Round of 16 as one of the four best third-placed sides.
The Ministry says it feels heartbroken just like every other Ghanaian.
“The Ministry of Youth and Sports profoundly shares the disappointment and devastation echoing through the hearts of millions of Ghanaians and followers of Ghana football both home and abroad,”the statement said.
It pointed out that the current government has wholeheartedly supported the national teams including the Black Stars.
“We created a conducive and enabling environment, invested in the development of the team and introduced performance-based reward systems.
“The government, recognising the importance of sports at the grassroots level, also invested and continues to invest significantly in infrastructure and other logistics to nurture and develop young sporting and footballing talents.”
It admitted that the recent poor performances of the Black Stars highlights fundamental structural and systemic deficiencies in the football ecosystem and journey.
It subtly indicated that results are not commensurate with effort invested in the team.
But the Ministry said it remains committed and focused “to fostering a football environment that reflects the aspirations, hopes and desires of our great nation and its people”.
“We believe in and call for your support and understanding. Together, let us rebuild and restore in the future of football in Ghana.”
