By Regina Agana Akanteba
Four Veteran Ghanaian Sports Journalists have observed that there are serious challenges facing the administration of football that need urgent resolution to help save the passion of the nation. Speaking on GTV Sports+ ”Saving Our Passion” the journalists agreed, that lack of proper investment, professionalism, policy changes, selfless leadership, dedication, commitment, patriotism, systematic structures and political interference among others, are the cause of the abysmal performance of the Black Stars in recent times. In this monitored report Regina Agana Akanteba brings you excerpts of the discussion which featured on GTV Sports+
The panellists were the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee of the 2023 All African Games, Dr. Kwaku Ofosu Asare, President of the Sports Writers Association, SWAG, Kwabena Yeboah, former Youth and Sports Minister and MP for Odododiodio, Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpauye a Veteran Sports Writer Ken Bediako joined the discussion via zoom.
Speaking on the issue of professionalism in football, SWAG President and Host of Sports Highlights on GTV Sports+, Kwabena Yeboah said lack of proper investment and corruption in football have made the game unprofessional and unattractive in recent times.
”Football is now business so with proper planning it can attract the needed investment”.
The Ace Broadcaster said there is the need to put in place structures just like the North Africans to help save game. On the issue of juju or voodoo in football, the Award-winning Commentator admitted it is rife and should be addressed promptly.
”Under the current dispensation it is impossible for most of our teams to compete with the North Africans because of the structures. we need strategic sound investors. Regarding this juju issue I do not think it is something that should not be swept under the carpet”, he stated.
The Chairman of the LOC of the All African Games, Dr. Kwaku Ofosu Asare said corporate investment is lacking in the football administration, hence the display of unprofessionalism, corruption, indiscipline and un-patriotism among football actors. He said transparency and accountability are missing in the game and that has contributed to the abysmal performance of the Black Stars. Dr. Ofosu Asare said qualified people should be given the job.
“Corporate governance is not in place, we don’t have it. What about the structures? These things will attract direct foreign investors but we are lacking”.
Member of Parliament for Odododiodio and former Youth and Sports Minister, Nii Lante Vanderpauye professionalism in football in the country is only by word of mouth.
”We profess professional in words but practically in Ghana it is not. Foreign Clubs employ competent people, they hire and fire but who is doing that in Hearts of Oak and Kotoko?”.
Veteran Sports Writer, Ken Bediako stated that the Business nature of football in recent times has has marred the game . He said the country is not investing enough in Clubs, but rather the concentration is on the Black Stars, which consistently fails to perform.
”Now the professional football is not .Football is full of money, and if the Clubs are doing well, we will have a good National Team”, he opined.
All four Sports journalists agreed that when the right people and systems are put in place for the job, it will save the passion and bring back the love.
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