Former Vice President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), George Afriyie, has raised serious concerns about Ghana’s recent failures to qualify for major continental football tournaments, describing the situation as alarming.
For the first time in 20 years, the Black Stars failed to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which is scheduled to take place in Morocco later this year.
Led by head coach Otto Addo, the team endured a disappointing campaign, finishing at the bottom of Group F with just three points from six games, following three draws and three losses.
Adding to the nation’s woes, the Black Galaxies, under coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani, also missed out on the African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Despite a goalless draw in the first leg against Nigeria’s Super Eagles B at the Accra Sports Stadium, the team succumbed to a 3-1 defeat in the return leg.
Speaking to Citi Sports, George Afriyie described these setbacks as deeply troubling, particularly Ghana’s absence from the 24-team AFCON tournament.
“We have the talent in this country; what we lack is identifying them, offering proper training and grooming, and creating opportunities. When you mention Ghana in global football, everyone recognizes us. We’ve been to the World Cup four times, and that alone is proof that Ghana is one of Africa’s football powerhouses,” he stated.
Afriyie expressed his disappointment over Ghana’s exclusion from Africa’s premier football competitions, emphasizing the need for urgent reforms.
“If 24 countries are participating in AFCON, and Ghana isn’t one of them, it’s a serious issue. If CHAN is happening, and Ghana isn’t competing among the best, it’s worrying. The same applies to the U-17 African Championships and the African Women’s Championships—we cannot ignore this downward trend.
“We must admit that something is wrong. Acknowledging the problem is the first step toward finding solutions. Unfortunately, those entrusted with managing football in this country don’t seem to view it this way, and that is deeply concerning,” Afriyie added.
The Black Stars will regroup in March to face Chad and Madagascar in two crucial qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.