By: Kwame Bediako
Nana Kwame Bediako, founder and presidential candidate of the New Force, raised eyebrows with his controversial views on football consumption in Ghana.
Speaking at GBC’s Presidential Encounters, organised by the STAR Ghana Foundation, Bediako expressed his concerns about the significant amount of time football fans dedicate to watching matches, prompting a wave of reactions from the public.
His comments outlined that if a football fan spends two hours watching a game almost every two days, they could potentially invest over 1,000 hours in a year. He questioned whether this time investment is worthwhile, especially considering that professional footballers earn substantial salaries, up to $500,000 a week, while fans engage in this pastime without any financial compensation.
“I think that if you spend two hours watching football almost every two days, in a year, you would have spent 1000 hours of your time, or 500 hours of your time, watching football that somebody is getting paid 500k dollars a week [to play]. But you watch them for free and pay your hours into it,” Nana Kwame Bediako.
The reaction from Ghanaians has been mixed, with some agreeing with Bediako’s assessment and others defending the joy and community that football brings.
Supporters of Bediako argue that his comments encourage individuals to reflect on their time management and consider alternative uses of their free time, such as pursuing education, hobbies, or personal projects.
Critics, however, feel that his views undermine the cultural significance of football in Ghana, where the sport is not just a game but a unifying force that fosters community spirit.
