Former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah has called on the government to increase investment in Ghana’s football sector to help rejuvenate the sport nationwide.
Speaking before a parliamentary fact-finding committee on Wednesday, September 24, 2024, Appiah highlighted the importance of financial support to bolster all levels of football, not just the senior national team.
Appiah expressed concern over the declining interest in football among Ghanaians, attributing much of it to the nation’s 40-year trophy drought, with the last Africa Cup of Nations title secured in 1982.
“Many football fans have lost hope, and this is detrimental to the country. It’s unfortunate that Ghana hasn’t won a trophy in the past four decades,” Appiah remarked.
He further criticized the lack of support for youth teams, such as the under-17, under-20, and under-23 squads, as well as women’s football, stressing the need for equal attention and funding across all levels.
Appiah also raised concerns about players who perform well during qualifiers but are overlooked in major tournaments, noting that this undermines team cohesion.
Seth Panwun Boyoyo, Chairman of the National Sports Authority, also contributed during the session, pointing to the agency’s role in promoting both amateur and professional sports.
He cited the poor state of the pitch in Ghana’s recent match against Angola as “unfortunate” and assured that steps were being taken to address the issue.
The committee, chaired by Kobena Mensah Woyome, MP for South Tongu, was established following a petition from the Fix Ghana Group earlier this year, aiming to investigate the decline of football in the country.
Woyome urged all participants to speak candidly, emphasizing the importance of their input in addressing the concerns outlined by the petitioners.
“We want you to be bold and speak without fear or favour. Your input is key to addressing the issues at hand,” Woyome stated.
The committee’s findings are expected to shape future policies aimed at reviving the prestige of Ghanaian football.
