The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced the immediate dissolution of the Black Stars Management Committee following the team’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The decision was reached during an Executive Council meeting held on Wednesday, November 20, 2024.
In a statement, the GFA expressed its deep regret to Ghanaians for the national team’s inability to secure qualification, acknowledging the disappointment felt across the country. “We share in the pain and sadness of our beloved fans and sincerely apologize for the team’s inability to meet the high expectations of the nation,” the statement read.
The dissolved Management Committee was commended for its service to Ghana Football over the years, though the GFA made it clear that a new direction was necessary to restore the Black Stars to competitive prominence.
Meeting with Black Stars Coach Otto Addo
In addition to dissolving the management team, the Executive Council scheduled a meeting with Black Stars Head Coach Otto Addo on November 27, 2024.
The meeting will focus on his technical report regarding the AFCON qualifiers and a comprehensive evaluation of the technical team’s performance since his appointment earlier this year.
Ghana Football Retreat Announced
To address broader concerns about the state of Ghanaian football, the GFA has announced plans to hold a Ghana Football Retreat.
Scheduled for November 28, 2024, at the Ghanaman Soccer Center of Excellence, the retreat will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders.
Participants will include representatives from the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG), the National Sports Authority, the Professional Footballers Association of Ghana (PFAG), former players, coaches, supporters, and other football enthusiasts. Additionally, key government entities such as the Ministries of Sports, Finance, and Education, alongside agencies like the Ghana Revenue Authority and Ghana Tourism Authority, will also be in attendance.
The retreat aims to solicit input from all stakeholders to chart a new course for Ghanaian football. Insights gathered will inform a roadmap to enhance the performance of the Black Stars and other national teams.
Looking Ahead
The GFA reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the concerns of fans and stakeholders, promising to rebuild the trust and confidence of the Ghanaian people. “We appreciate the support and patience of the Ghanaian people and look forward to making amends in the future,” the statement concluded.
This bold move comes as part of the GFA’s broader effort to revitalize Ghanaian football and restore the Black Stars to their former glory on the continental and global stage.