The recent struggles of the Black Stars, Ghana’s national football team, serve as a testament to the importance of effective leadership in the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Under President Akufo-Addo, the team’s performance has been underwhelming, culminating in their failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations—an event they had consistently been a part of for 20 years. The Black Stars finished at the bottom of their Group F with just three points from six matches, recording three losses and three draws against Sudan, Niger, and Angola. This failure not only reflected poorly on the current government’s approach to sports administration but also highlighted the need for change in the ministry’s leadership. Abdul Salam noted that the appointment of a serious and dedicated sports minister is crucial for revitalizing Ghana’s football and ensuring that the country can once again be competitive on the continental stage.

Abdul Salam’s call to appoint a competent Youth and Sports Minister is not merely about replacing officials but about bringing in someone who can drive systemic changes and introduce innovative strategies to improve Ghanaian football. He emphasized that the growth of football in the country heavily depends on a leader who possesses both the expertise and authority to bring about the necessary transformation. With the Black Stars’ recent struggles, Abdul Salam argued that the government must take a different approach to sports management, one that is proactive and responsive to the needs of the sport. He urged Mahama to consider appointing someone who has a deep understanding of football’s administrative complexities and who is willing to take bold decisions to propel the sport forward in Ghana. This call for a change in leadership reflects the growing frustration among stakeholders in the Ghanaian football community who believe that a new direction is essential for achieving meaningful progress in the sport.