President Akufo-Addo says he doesn’t understand why Ghana has been underperforming in tournaments despite the talents the country is blessed with.
The Black Stars have failed to advance beyond the first round in the last two major competitions they participated in, exiting at the group stages of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in January 2022 and the 2022 World Cup in December of the same year.
That run follows a round of 16 exit at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt after a penalty shootout defeat to Tunisia.
Speaking during a meeting with the Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association on Wednesday, Akufo-Addo urged the association to give the team the best preparation ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations set to start in 23 days in Ivory Coast.
“As an avid football fan, I am very much aware of the challenges that confront us, as results have not been good in recent games. But you can count on me for the necessary support,” the President said.
“We have some very good talents scattered across the globe, so I don’t understand why we shouldn’t perform in tournaments.”
The President also reminded the GFA President and his subsidiaries what football means to Ghanaians.
“Ghanaians are obsessed with football, and you have the mandate of ensuring that our game is on the right path. We have the Africa Cup of Nations in a few days, and it is our responsibility to give the technical team and the playing body the needed support to succeed in neighbouring Cote d’Ivoire.
“It’s been 41 years since Ghana won the Africa Cup of Nations. If my memory serves me right, we have played in a couple of finals in recent times and lost on penalties in 2015. Expectations are very high, so let’s do our best to make this tournament a success.”
Latest Stories
-
‘That was a lie!’ – Trump lawyer clashes with Michael Cohen in hush-money trial
27 mins -
Ghana has been robbed of what I could have contributed – Kofi Amoabeng
1 hour -
At least 56 people dead in Sudan’s North Darfur state, Doctors Without Borders says
1 hour -
Sony Music slams tech giants for unauthorised use of stars’ songs
2 hours -
Check out the nominees list for the 2024 BET Awards
2 hours -
TVET sector stresses need for industry collaboration for skills development
3 hours -
Algerian man found alive in cellar after 26 years
3 hours -
South Africa seeks halt to Israel’s Gaza offensive
4 hours -
DJ Azonto seeks $10m from Bawumia for unauthorised use of his song
4 hours -
Cement price increment worst I have seen in recent times – Executive Secretary, GREDA
4 hours -
4th edition of Africa Wiki Challenge to spotlight Africa in the vast online information space
4 hours -
Government pledges continuous support for media at African Media Convention
5 hours -
Family in shock as missing 12-year-old found dead in Korle Lagoon after Monday’s downpour
5 hours -
Migrant crossings plunge at US-Mexico border – why it may not last
5 hours -
Samira Bawumia highlights Ghana’s strides in clean cooking solutions at UNESCO summit in France
5 hours