By Jeremiah Nutsugah
Sports Analyst Veronica Commey highlighted that Ghana’s football issues extend beyond coaching and involve the leadership at the Football Association (FA) and the government.
Following the elimination of the Black Stars from Afcon 2023 with only 2 points, the subsequent sacking of Chris Hughton, and the dissolution of the technical staff by the FA yesterday, numerous football pundits and analysts have criticized both the FA and Ghanaians.
During a discussion on Ghana Broadcasting Corporation’s Focus on January 24, 2024, Commey pointed out concerns within the Ghana Football Association (GFA) that hinder the nation’s football progress.
“There might be something wrong at the Ghana Football Association (GFA) that is ensuring that we are not getting what we want,” she expressed.
Commey criticized the government’s passive role in football, emphasizing that the GFA has been allowed to dictate without government intervention.
“The government had allowed the GFA to tell them that they do not have a role in football, and their role only ends at providing money for the team. Politicians may not have plans for football, but I think it cuts across, and it has made the GFA decide for the government,” she asserted.
She urged politicians to focus on genuine football development rather than token gestures like building Astro Turfs, emphasizing the importance of nurturing talent at the grassroots level.
Commey criticized the neglect of grassroots games, emphasizing the need to gather and nurture talent for sustainable progress. She argued that sacking Chris Hughton is not a solution, and the GFA is using him as a scapegoat.
Expressing disappointment in the Black Stars’ performance, she stated, “The Black Stars, after embarrassing the nation, have returned to their bases because they don’t understand what it means to play for the colours of the country Ghana.”
