The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has expressed concern over the state of Ghana’s national football team, the Black Stars, attributing their recent struggles to what he described as the declining state of the country under the leadership of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
His remarks come in the wake of the Black Stars’ failure to qualify for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, a blow to a team that has long been a symbol of national pride.
Speaking to an enthusiastic crowd at a mini-rally held at the Akim Oda lorry station on Tuesday, November 19, as part of his five-day campaign tour of the Eastern Region, Mahama did not hold back in criticizing the current government. He described the failure to qualify for AFCON as a reflection of a broader decline in the country, linking it to what he considers poor governance and mismanagement over the past eight years.
“We have lost everything. Even the Black Stars team, which we used as our source of entertainment, is now in its worst state,” Mahama stated.
He lamented the once-reliable presence of the Black Stars in AFCON tournaments, noting that for the past two decades, the team had consistently qualified for the competition. He expressed disappointment that Ghana, a footballing powerhouse in Africa, had fallen behind countries like Sudan, which has been plagued by internal conflict but still managed to secure a spot in the tournament.
“For the past 20 years, anytime it is time for AFCON, the Black Stars will take part. But we have failed to even make it through qualifiers. We allowed ourselves and the likes of Sudan, a war-torn country that has qualified for AFCON and Black Stars couldn’t. It is all because of the bad governance we have been subjected to for the past eight years,” he said.
Mahama used the opportunity to urge Ghanaians to reflect on the state of the nation and consider a change in leadership in the upcoming general elections.
He framed the December 7 elections as a pivotal moment for the country to reset its trajectory and restore hope in all sectors, including sports. According to him, voting for the NDC would not only lead to better governance but also create an environment where Ghanaian football could thrive once again.
“But democracy has allowed us to change government every four years. So, we have another opportunity on December 7 to change this government. Let’s do that peacefully,” Mahama stated, calling for calm and unity as the nation prepares to head to the polls.
The former president’s comments highlight the intersection between politics and sports in Ghana, where football often serves as a unifying force and a source of national identity. The Black Stars’ decline in recent years has sparked widespread debate and frustration among citizens, many of whom view the team’s struggles as emblematic of larger systemic issues in the country.
Mahama’s speech at Akim Oda resonated with many attendees, who echoed his sentiments about the state of the nation and the Black Stars. His criticism of the NPP government also included broader concerns about the economy, unemployment, and infrastructure development, all of which he linked to the need for a change in leadership.
As the NDC flagbearer continues his tour of the Eastern Region, he has made it clear that his campaign is focused on addressing the challenges facing ordinary Ghanaians. He has promised to prioritize policies that will improve living standards, create jobs, and restore the country’s reputation on the international stage.
The failure of the Black Stars to qualify for AFCON has added to the urgency of Mahama’s message, as he seeks to connect with voters on issues that affect their daily lives. For many Ghanaians, the team’s performance is more than just a sports issue; it is a reflection of the country’s overall health and progress.
As the December elections approach, the question of whether Mahama’s message will resonate with enough voters to secure a victory remains uncertain. However, his focus on linking governance to tangible outcomes like the performance of the Black Stars underscores the stakes of the upcoming polls. Ghanaians will ultimately decide whether they believe a change in leadership can restore not only the nation’s footballing fortunes but also its broader sense of pride and progress.
Mahama’s rally at Akim Oda marked another milestone in his campaign efforts, as he continues to engage with voters across the country. With just a few weeks left before the elections, both the NDC and the NPP are ramping up their efforts to win over undecided voters and solidify their bases. The future of Ghana’s football and governance remains a key topic of discussion, with Mahama positioning himself as the candidate who can lead the country back to its glory days.
The former president’s message of hope and change has struck a chord with many, as Ghanaians grapple with the challenges of daily life and the aspirations of a brighter future. Whether his campaign will translate into electoral success remains to be seen, but for now, Mahama’s connection between sports and politics has brought renewed attention to the state of the nation and the need for collective action to address its challenges.
