The game between All Blacks and Elmina Sharks on Sunday, February 16, 2025, in the Division One League has sparked fresh concerns about the state of Ghana’s football. The game, while thrilling, has once again raised questions about the profound challenges plaguing the nation’s football industry. Added to this mix is the owner of Elmina Sharks, Papa Kwesi Nduom, who has expressed deep concerns about the future of his club’s participation in the league.
“I’m considering whether to even continue having this team in the league. Is it worth it? I don’t do it for money; I do it for the community and the players”; he told GTV Sports Plus. This sentiment reflects the broader disillusionment among stakeholders within Ghanaian football, highlighting the ongoing struggles to keep the sport thriving at the grassroots level.
Papa Kwesi Nduom’s concerns are not isolated; they resonate with many within the football community. The financial strains and logistical challenges faced by clubs like Elmina Sharks are mirrored across the nation, with many questioning the sustainability of the current structure. How can the nation’s football lynchpin, the Premier League, continue to function adequately when the very foundation of grassroots development is crumbling?
In a heartfelt address to his community, Papa Kwesi Nduom reaffirmed his commitment to his team and the players who represent the heart and soul of Ghanaian football. “I do this for the community and the players, I don’t do it for money”; he stated.
As the dust settles on this latest chapter in Ghana’s football saga, one thing is clear: the nation’s love for the game is unwavering, but the challenges it faces are as real as ever. The onus is now on the government, corporate Ghana and football administrators to take bold steps toward ensuring a brighter future for the sport. If they fail to act, the rich tapestry of Ghanaian football might begin to fade, leaving behind a void that no one can fully fill.
