In the heart of Accra, at the Black Star Square, an unusual sight unfolded recently. Septuagenarians, rarely seen in protests, joined thousands of young men and women to voice their discontent over the declining state of football in Ghana.
For Ghanaians, football isn’t just a game; it’s ingrained in the national culture, passed down through generations. It’s a passion that defines millions of lives, making the recent protests all the more significant.
Among the demonstrators was 75-year-old Emilia Okine, a symbol of the generation that witnessed Ghana’s football glory days. Her presence spoke volumes – a reminder to the youth of what once was and what could be again.
Mrs. Okine’s frustration stems from the continuous disappointment she’s witnessed in Ghanaian football. Despite witnessing the Black Stars clinch the Africa Cup of Nations four times in her youth, recent years have been marked by underwhelming performances and missed opportunities.
The tipping point came during the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast, where Ghana’s dismal showing left Mrs. Okine and many others disillusioned. The protest, stretching over five kilometers, was a collective outcry against the status quo – a demand for reform at all levels of the sport.
Beyond the surface, Ghana’s football woes run deep. A lack of leadership from institutions like the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports has exacerbated existing issues. The Black Stars’ poor form, coupled with the absence of a headline sponsor for the Ghana Premier League, reflects a broader systemic failure.
While women’s football shows promise, the teams remain unpaid, highlighting systemic neglect. David Wise Ackom, another protester, aptly describes the situation as a “loud protest to a tone-deaf leadership.”
Moreover, Ghana’s inability to maintain FIFA-approved stadiums reflects a broader issue of neglect and mismanagement. Mrs. Okine’s call for improved facilities resonates deeply – a stark reminder of misplaced priorities and wasted resources.
In essence, the protests symbolize a collective plea for change. They demand accountability, transparency, and a renewed commitment to Ghana’s football legacy. As Mrs. Okine eloquently puts it, “We cannot continue down this path. Ghana deserves better.”