Flagbearer hopeful of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) Kwabena Agyei Agyapong has blamed Ghana’s inability to win an international trophy to fallen standards of the domestic league.
According to him, the poor nature of the local league has affected the national team, leading to the Black Stars’ failure to win the Africa Cup of Nations after clinching gold over four decades ago.
Speaking on Onua TV/FM’s Maakye with Captain Smart Wednesday, May 10, 2023, the politician cum sports enthusiast said the commercialisation of football has detached the clubs from their true owners draining out the communnal spirit that characterised and propelled Ghana football.
“The league has lost its organic link with the society. The commercialisation and individualism has led to the sprouting of many individual clubs without support base which is affecting the clubs and the league as a whole. Football is a traditional and communal thing so I don’t see why someone should go and say you want to buy shares,” he indicated.
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After Ghana’s fourth continental title came in the 1982 cup tournament by beating host Libya in the final, the Black Stars have managed two grand finals and a couple of semi-finals since without any laurel.
Some pundits, have, however, blamed the deminished standards of the local league on player exodus and lack of sponsorship among others.
But to Kwabena Agyapong, the inundation of the league with traditional clubs like Asante Kotoko, Okwahu United, Sekondi 11 Wise and Hassaacas among others were the real definition of football in Ghana when the indigenes felt they owned the clubs.
Mr. Agyapong noted the support base was the antedote for the clubs’ success and it’s subsequent reflection on the senior national team, the Black Stars.
Follow @ Felix Anim-Appau
