Following Ghana's disappointing performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast, Alhassan Suhuyini, the Member of Parliament for Tamale North, expressed skepticism about investing further in the Black Stars.
Former Ghana striker Samuel Opoku Nti has stated that he's not satisfied the Black Stars can be built around local based players.
The Majority Leader in Parliament has charged the Ghana FA to revive the scouting system at the district level following the Black Stars disastrous performance in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.
Former Ghana international, Raphael Dwamena who died on Saturday, November 11, 2023, after collapsing on the field during an Albanian Super League match will be laid to rest in his native Ghana today February 16, 2024.
Kurt Okraku, the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has issued a stern warning, stating that players may refuse selection for the Black Stars if subjected to severe abuse following poor performances.
The Black Stars faced intense criticism after their disappointing showing at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, where they were eliminated in the group stage.
Addressing the media during the GFA meet the press event in Kumasi, Okraku pleaded with fans to refrain from abusing players, emphasizing the detrimental impact such behavior could have on player morale and willingness to represent the national team.
“If we excessively criticize our players when things go wrong, we risk losing their commitment and dedication. That's why I've consistently emphasized the need for unwavering support for our players, regardless of the circumstances,” Okraku stated.
He also stressed the importance of entrusting crucial decisions regarding player selection to the technical team, highlighting the expertise and judgment of the coaching staff.
Ghana's disappointing campaign at the 2023 AFCON saw them finish third in a group featuring Cape Verde, Egypt, and Mozambique. Despite efforts to salvage the tournament, the Black Stars suffered a 2-1 defeat to Cape Verde and consecutive 2-2 draws against Egypt and Mozambique, sealing their premature exit.
This marked the second consecutive tournament where Ghana failed to progress beyond the group stage, extending the nation's AFCON title drought to 42 years.
Okraku's plea underscores the need for a supportive environment to foster player development and success, urging fans to rally behind the team during both good and challenging times.
Maxwell Konadu, former assistant coach for the Ghana national team, is reportedly being evaluated for a return to the Black Stars setup, this time as an assistant coach alongside Otto Addo.
Konadu, currently managing Nsoatreman FC, has recently expressed interest in the head coaching position for the national team. However, the Ghana Football Association is exploring various options following the dismissal of Chris Hughton, including the possibility of Konadu serving as an assistant coach.
With over a decade of experience with the national team, Konadu previously served as an assistant and interim coach from 2012 to 2022. The vacancy for the head coach position emerged after Hughton's departure following Ghana's early exit at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
While initial reports suggested Konadu's interest in the top coaching role, recent developments indicate that he could potentially join Otto Addo's coaching staff. Addo, currently a member of Borussia Dortmund's coaching staff, previously led the Black Stars in 2022, successfully guiding Ghana to qualify for the 2022 World Cup by defeating Nigeria.
Discussions regarding the coaching dynamics are ongoing within the Ghana Football Association's leadership. A final decision on the coaching staff, including the potential return of Otto Addo and the role of Maxwell Konadu, is anticipated to be made before the end of February.
