Thompson Warns Against Calls To Dissolve GFA

Former Black Stars Management Committee member Ernest Thompson has cautioned against suggestions to dissolve the Ghana Football Association (GFA) in response to the national team's disappointing performance in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Ghana has suffered losses in their opening two Group C matches, prompting calls for significant changes within the country's football administration.

Among those advocating for the GFA's dissolution are former Sports Minister Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye and Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George.

However, Thompson maintains that dissolving the GFA could exacerbate issues due to FIFA regulations on government intervention in football. "Something needs to be done about the GFA," Thompson stated to Joy FM. "Sit down with them and see how best you can assist them in resolving the challenges they face." He urged Sports Minister Kofi Adams to convene key stakeholders to tackle the problems at hand.

Thompson stressed that the GFA must acknowledge its shortcomings and be open to receiving assistance. He also raised concerns about the process used to select the Black Stars' squad for the initial qualifiers, suggesting that the Management Committee did not convene to deliberate on the squad selections before their announcement.

"There was a complete disconnect between members of the Black Stars management team and some members of the GFA," Thompson noted. He further questioned the circumstances surrounding several players withdrawing after being called up, inquiring about the approval process and whether the requisite medical checks had been performed.

Ghana currently trails Group C without a point following a 2-0 loss to Ivory Coast and a 4-2 home defeat to The Gambia, where they surrendered a two-goal lead. Carlos Queiroz has already stepped down as head coach, and a five-member committee has been established to identify his successor. Ghana's next qualifiers are scheduled for November, with matches against Somalia.