Former Deputy General Secretary of the ruling New Patriotic Party, Nana Obiri Boahene, has openly expressed his disinterest in following the Black Stars in recent times, citing dishonesty and insincerity among football administrators in Ghana.
His remarks come in the wake of the controversy surrounding Kwesi Appiah’s dual role as head coach of the Sudan national team and a member of the Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
Kwesi Appiah, a former Ghana international, was appointed as head coach of the Sudan national team while simultaneously securing a seat on the GFA Executive Council last October. His dual responsibilities drew criticism and scrutiny, especially after the Black Stars were paired in the same group as Sudan for the ongoing AFCON 2025 qualifiers. The situation intensified the debate over the ethics and seriousness of football administration in both nations.
Boahene highlighted the inherent conflict of interest in Appiah’s dual roles, emphasizing that it reflects poorly on the governance of football in both Ghana and Sudan. “I don’t waste my time on the Black Stars. I follow foreign football because things are properly done there,” he stated during an interview with Bryt FM. He pointed out that the overlap of roles held by Appiah is indicative of a lack of seriousness among football administrators in both countries.
The former Kotoko defender recently decided to step down from his role on the GFA Executive Council due to the perceived conflict of interest, a move that was prompted by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) ahead of the double-header between Ghana and Sudan in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers. This decision, however, has not mitigated the concerns raised by Boahene and other football enthusiasts regarding the integrity of the sport’s administration.
Boahene criticized the fact that in a well-functioning football administration, Appiah would have been expected to resign from his position on the GFA Executive Council upon his appointment as Sudan’s head coach. “In any disciplined society, Kwesi Appiah would have tendered in his resignation as Exco member after the Sudan appointment,” he remarked. Furthermore, he noted that Sudan should have mandated Appiah to quit his role with the GFA to avoid any unpleasant situations.
The former NPP official expressed his frustration with the current state of football governance in both Ghana and Sudan, stating, “These situations tell you that both Sudan and Ghana are not serious countries as far as football is concerned, so you don’t waste your time on these two countries.” His comments underscore a growing sentiment among fans and critics alike that the administrative side of football in Ghana is plagued by issues of transparency and accountability.
Boahene’s disillusionment with the Black Stars reflects a broader concern among Ghanaians about the state of the national team and its governance. Many fans have expressed disappointment with the team’s recent performances and the perceived lack of commitment from football administrators to create an environment conducive to success. The disconnect between the football administration and the fans has led to a diminishing interest in following the national team, as noted by Boahene.
In contrast to his disinterest in the Black Stars, Boahene revealed a preference for monitoring foreign football, where he feels that the administration is more organized and accountable. “I prefer monitoring the Bellinghams, Lamine Yamal, and others,” he said, suggesting that the professionalism and structure seen in foreign leagues are more appealing compared to the current state of football governance in Ghana and Sudan.
This growing trend of disillusionment among fans and former officials like Boahene raises questions about the future of Ghanaian football and the need for reform. As the Black Stars continue their campaign in the AFCON qualifiers, the administration faces increasing scrutiny from the public. The concerns raised by Boahene highlight the urgency for the Ghana Football Association to address the issues of integrity and accountability within its ranks.
The implications of Boahene’s remarks are significant as they reflect a broader dissatisfaction with how football is managed in Ghana. With the Black Stars struggling to find their footing in international competitions, there is a pressing need for a re-evaluation of the structures in place that govern the sport. Fans are calling for leadership that prioritizes the success of the national team and fosters an environment of trust and professionalism.
In conclusion, Nana Obiri Boahene’s outspoken comments regarding the state of the Black Stars and the governance of football in Ghana resonate with a growing number of supporters who are frustrated with the current trajectory of the sport. The ongoing issues surrounding Kwesi Appiah’s dual role and the overall administration of football in the country highlight the need for significant changes if Ghana is to reclaim its status as a formidable force in African football.
As the Black Stars continue their journey in the AFCON qualifiers, the path ahead remains uncertain, but the call for accountability and integrity in football administration has never been more crucial.
