Blame Randy Abbey, Kurt and his cronies for the down fall of Ghana Football and Black Stars
The current state of Ghanaian football reflects a deep-rooted blend of administrative, political, and managerial challenges, which have left fans disillusioned. The Ghana Football Association (GFA) under Kurt Okraku’s leadership has faced heightened scrutiny, especially following the underwhelming performances of the Black Stars at both the 2022 World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations. These challenges are exacerbated by persistent controversies, rumored factionalism, and decisions that many believe have destabilized the national team and impacted morale.
Critics argue that Okraku’s leadership style—evident in his pre-match address to the team before their must-win game in Libya—may have contributed to the players’ lack of focus, while others believe that long-standing influences within the GFA, such as those from Randy Abbey and figures from the Kwesi Nyantakyi era, could be limiting the association’s growth and integrity. Parliament’s recent summoning of the Executive Committee (ExCo), led by Dr. Randy Abbey, highlighted the contentious $100,000 honorarium and the lack of funding for infrastructure and junior teams, which continues to erode the public’s confidence in the GFA.
Coach Akwasi Appiah’s recent successes with Sudan serve as a reminder of the impact strong coaching and consistent support can have on performance, a standard Ghanaian football fans crave. However, lingering issues—including unpaid coaches, poorly maintained pitches, and inconsistent priorities—have led to claims of favoritism and even political interference. Okraku’s choice to leave the Black Stars’ camp for a friendly match in Germany has added to the skepticism about his focus on the Black Stars’ critical matches.
The recent “Bringing Back the Love” campaign underscores the GFA’s attempt to revive public enthusiasm, but the actions and priorities of the administration reveal a disconnect. Since the high-profile 2018 corruption exposé by investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas, which shook Ghanaian football, the sport’s administration has struggled to regain stability and trust.
Ultimately, fans and critics are calling for introspection and reform within the GFA, hoping that addressing structural, financial, and political issues will provide a foundation for Ghanaian football to regain its former strength and restore confidence in both leadership and players.
