President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has unveiled a comprehensive Presidential Policy on Football in a bid to revitalize Ghana’s national football team, the Black Stars.
In his State of the Nation address, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the deep-rooted significance of football in Ghanaian culture, reflecting on past glories while acknowledging recent setbacks, particularly in tournaments like the AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire.
He stressed the imperative of a long-term strategy to address the team’s decline, expressing confidence in Ghana’s potential to reclaim its stature as a football powerhouse.
The proposed policy prioritizes grassroots football development, focusing on scouting, grooming, and nurturing talent at the district level. It entails collaboration between the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to establish juvenile teams for both genders nationwide.
President Akufo-Addo asserted the need for a far-sighted approach, drawing on successful past initiatives like the late Ben Koufie’s five-year plan during President JA Kufuor’s administration. He highlighted the importance of patience and dedication for sustainable success.
Utilizing the government’s significant infrastructure investments, including over 150 astro turf pitches, the initiative aims to provide aspiring young footballers with essential facilities and support. The President underscored the significance of merit-based selection, ensuring talent progression based solely on performance.
President Akufo-Addo’s optimism for the future of the Black Stars resonated throughout his address, expressing confidence that with proper implementation of the policy, Ghana’s national football team would once again bring pride and glory to the nation.
