Former coach of the Black Stars, Charles Akonnor, has called on all stakeholders to unite and address the declining standards of football in Ghana.
Football in the West African nation is currently facing significant challenges, with both clubs and national teams struggling to perform on the international stage.
For the first time in two decades, the Black Stars failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Similarly, the Black Galaxies missed out on a spot in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after losing a two-legged tie to Nigeria.
Akonnor, who captained the Black Stars in four AFCON tournaments, believes collective action is necessary to restore Ghana’s footballing glory.
“We need to rise up to the occasion because things are falling apart. We talk of the national team, which has not qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations,” the former Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak coach told Radio Gold Sports.
“But when was the last time any of our clubs qualified for the quarter-finals of the CAF Champions League and the Confederation Cup and all that? We need to rise up to the occasion. We can transform things, we can change it, but we all have to get on board—not just the FA alone, all of us, especially you, the media.”
“You need to help change things so that we can see ourselves at the top again,” Akonnor added.
Ghana will now shift focus to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which resume in March. The Black Stars will host Chad at home before traveling to face Madagascar.