Former Youth and Sports Minister, Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye, has criticized the current structure of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), arguing that it hinders any coach’s ability to succeed with the Black Stars.
The Member of Parliament for the Odododiodio constituency believes the GFA’s operations have significantly contributed to the national team's recent struggles, including Ghana's failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Speaking in an interview with Kessben FM, Vanderpuye lamented the lack of accountability and systemic issues within the GFA, stating, “If I were the Sports Minister, I would disband the GFA. We are not going to be at the Africa Cup of Nations. FIFA will suspend us for six months, and we can use that time to restructure and prepare for the next AFCON qualifiers.”
Vanderpuye criticized the tendency to blame coaches for the Black Stars’ poor performances, pointing out deeper issues within the GFA.
“Let’s ask ourselves, why should we always sit and allow the GFA to sack the coach when the Black Stars fail? What is going on in Ghana football is bigger than just coaching,” he remarked.
He further argued that even world-class managers like Pep Guardiola or Jürgen Klopp would struggle to succeed under the current system.
“If you hire Pep Guardiola, Jürgen Klopp, or any top coach, and we don’t change the structure, we will still fail. We’ve created a setup where one person controls the players, appoints the coach, and even manages ballboys and the team doctor. How will the Black Stars succeed?”
The Black Stars’ dismal AFCON qualification campaign saw them finish bottom of a group that included Angola, Sudan, and Niger, securing just three points.
Vanderpuye’s remarks come as a call for introspection and decisive reforms in Ghana football to restore the Black Stars to their former glory.
