The conveners of the Save Ghana Football movement have expressed deep disappointment over what they describe as a lack of direction in Ghanaian football, a year after key stakeholders called for reforms to revive the sport.
In a statement released on Friday, 14th February 2025, the group argued that instead of progress, the situation has worsened, leading to a crisis that threatens the future of the game in the country.
According to the movement, their demonstration a year ago was meant to spark change, but instead, the decline has continued unchecked.
“Unfortunately, a year on, the reverse is true; the Black Stars’ failure to win a single game throughout the entire AFCON qualifiers, their inability to qualify for the tournament billed for Morocco later this year, the worrying trend in the Ghana Premier League that has culminated into its current suspension are glaring examples that have no hiding place.”
Save Ghana Football Movement
The movement recalled that on February 14, 2024, when they took to the streets to protest, they believed that the football ecosystem was on the verge of collapse.
They had hoped their activism would prompt urgent action to restore the sport to its former glory.
However, they pointed out that the collapse is not just imminent but already underway, making immediate intervention necessary.
They further pointed out that unless stakeholders take a sincere and comprehensive approach to reforming the sport, Ghana risks further global embarrassment and national disappointment.
The movement insists that the current state of affairs in Ghanaian football is not a mere coincidence but a reflection of deeper systemic failures that have gone unaddressed for too long.
Concerns Over Leadership and Development
Furthermore, the group criticized the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for what they describe as a lack of commitment to football development.
They accused the governing body of failing to implement policies that would ensure the sustainable growth of the sport.
“We believe the deteriorated Ghana Premier League, the continued abysmal performances of the various national teams at tournaments, and the incessant pumping of resources into only the activities of the Black Stars at the expense of holistic development has brought us here and the only way out is changing tactics and direction.”
Save Ghana Football Movement
The movement also expressed outrage over the GFA’s silence following the tragic death of Francis Yaw Frimpong, who was stabbed at the Nana Konamansah Park in Nsoatre after a league match between Nsoatreman and Asante Kotoko.
They condemned the lack of visible leadership from the GFA in addressing security concerns in local football.
They argue that such incidents only deepen the crisis and further discourage fans from attending matches, which negatively affects the league’s revenue and overall appeal.
A Call for Presidential Intervention
Despite the challenges, the Save Ghana Football movement welcomed the efforts of clubs like Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak, who have called for reforms.
They believe that without immediate structural changes within the GFA, the sport will continue to suffer.
“While it is welcoming to see the two most decorated clubs, Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak, give a semblance of what looks like a call for reforms, we would like to add our voices to the obvious that if we miss this opportunity to occasion reforms at the GFA, our game would be the biggest loser.”
Save Ghana Football
Accordingly, the movement appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to take the lead in saving Ghanaian football.
They also called on the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Adams, to spearhead a national policy that will ensure a positive turnaround for the sport.
“By this, we would like to appeal to the President, H.E John Dramani Mahama, through the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Adams, to lead the charge to Save Ghana Football.”
Save Ghana Football
They emphasized that a coordinated policy involving all stakeholders is the only way to restore Ghana’s footballing reputation and rebuild the sport.
The movement believes that addressing these challenges will not only restore confidence in the local game but also improve the competitiveness of Ghanaian teams on the international stage.
As the movement reflects on the past year, they remain hopeful that with the right interventions, the sport can be revived.
They envision a future where Ghanaian football thrives again, with strong domestic leagues, competitive national teams, and a robust footballing structure. “It is our hope that a year from now, there will be telling positives in nurturing our game back to health,” they concluded.
They believe that with decisive leadership, transparency, and a renewed commitment to football development, Ghana can reclaim its status as a powerhouse in African football.
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