Former Youth and Sports Minister, Nii Lante Vanderpuye, has stated that he would have dissolved the Ghana Football Association (GFA) if he was the Sports Minister.
His comments follow the Black Stars’ failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), finishing last in Group F with only three points.
The team’s performance in the recent qualifiers included three draws and three defeats over six matches.
Mr. Vanderpuye blamed the GFA for the team’s underwhelming showings and criticized their management of football in the country.
“I would have collapsed the Ghana Football Association (GFA) if I am the Sports Minister. The GFA are always sacking coaches when there is a problem so why cannot also be sacked or disband the football association?,” he told Pure FM.
He added that, while such a move might result in a FIFA ban, it would provide an opportunity to restructure and improve the system.
“I know FIFA will ban us but we will use that time to do the right things. What is happening at the moment is worrying and it stinks. People are running the Black Stars with their interest which is bad and that has translated into the performance of the Black Stars” Mr. Vanderpuye stated.
He also pointed out issues within the domestic league, alleging referee bias and favouritism in match officiating.
“The Ghana Premier League is not doing well and I was told recently that some referees are selected for some specific games and if I am the Sports Minister you are saying I should be happy with this and watch it go on?” he added.
Ghana’s recent record has been troubling. Since the 2021 AFCON, the 2022 World Cup, and the 2023 AFCON, the team has secured only one win in nine matches.
This marks the first time in 20 years that the Black Stars will not participate in an AFCON tournament, which is set to take place in Morocco.
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