CK Akonnor Calls for Unity to Restore Ghana's Football Glory
Charles Akonnor, the former head coach of the Black Stars, has urged all football stakeholders in Ghana to come together and take action to address the declining standards of the sport in the country. Ghanaian football is currently facing numerous challenges, with both the national teams and local clubs struggling to make an impact on the international stage. For the first time in two decades, the Black Stars failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), and the Black Galaxies were also eliminated from the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after losing to Nigeria. Akonnor, who captained the Black Stars during four AFCON tournaments, believes that a collective effort is needed to revive the fortunes of Ghana's football teams.
Akonnor pointed out that football in Ghana is not in a completely dire state, but the lack of consistency and success from both the national teams and local clubs is concerning. While the Black Stars’ failure to qualify for AFCON was a significant blow, Akonnor also highlighted the poor performance of Ghanaian clubs in continental competitions. He lamented that it has been years since any local club has made it to the quarter-finals of the CAF Champions League or Confederation Cup, and that such setbacks are a reflection of deeper systemic issues within the sport. He emphasized that the situation requires all stakeholders, including the media, to come on board and work together to turn things around. According to Akonnor, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) cannot address these challenges alone, and the involvement of everyone is essential for meaningful progress.
Looking forward, Akonnor stressed that the Black Stars must now focus on their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which are set to begin in March. The team will first face Chad at home before traveling to Madagascar. Akonnor remains optimistic about the potential to turn things around, but he believes that the nation's football will only improve if all stakeholders take responsibility and actively contribute to the transformation process. The media, in particular, must play a crucial role in shifting the narrative, highlighting the issues, and supporting efforts to rebuild the national teams and clubs. Akonnor's call for unity and action is a timely reminder that the road to restoring Ghana’s footballing glory will require a combined effort from all sectors of the search.
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