{
  "id": 13504982,
  "title": "Benedict Okyere Yeboah: Ghana’s football problem goes beyond sacking a coach",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/10/benedict-okyere-yeboah-ghanas-football-problem-goes-beyond-sacking-a",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-10T19:15:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/benedict-okyere-yeboah-ghanas-football-problem-goes-beyond-sacking-a-coach/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Sacking a coach may seem like a simple solution to Ghana's football problems, but it is unlikely to be an effective one. Carlos Queiroz's seven-match tenure as head coach yielded only one win, one draw and five defeats, prompting serious questions about his coaching abilities. However, the decline of Ghana's national team does not solely stem from his coaching period. The evidence suggests a deeper underlying issue that requires broader attention.\n\nGhana has struggled to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) over the years, with poor performances in recent tournaments. The Black Stars have often conceded a high number of goals and failed to record any wins. This pattern has persisted across different coaching periods and competitions, indicating that changing managers alone is not sufficient to address the issues at hand.\n\nThe Ghana Football Association (GFA) recently recognized the seriousness of the problem and took steps to initiate a comprehensive football reform programme. In November 2024, they dissolved the Black Stars Management Committee and announced a national football retreat involving various stakeholders. This demonstrates that the GFA acknowledges that the problem extends beyond the head coach and that a more holistic approach is needed.\n\nOne of the critical issues highlighted is the lack of adequate infrastructure in Ghana's football system. Only a few clubs among the 18 in the Ghana Premier League own their own facilities and stadia. This structural problem hinders the development of players, coaches, referees, administrators, and clubs capable of supporting the national team. Without proper infrastructure, it is difficult for the national team to consistently produce elite players.\n\nFurthermore, the government's Medium-Term Development Plan identifies inadequate sports infrastructure in schools as a problem for early talent identification and systematic athlete development. This highlights the importance of investing in grassroots development to nurture talent from an early age.\n\nThe GFA has made some investments in recent years, such as training 600 Colts coaches through its CAF Licence D programme and providing financial support to Ghana Premier League clubs. However, these investments raise questions about the effectiveness of the money spent. Simply providing financial assistance may not guarantee improvements in coaching, facilities, scouting, or youth development programs.\n\nUltimately, the Black Stars are a symptom of a larger disease within Ghana's football system. To address the decline, Ghana needs to examine and improve the entire football pyramid, from grassroots development to club development, coaching development, and scouting. Simply changing the head coach may provide temporary relief, but lasting improvements require addressing the fundamental issues plaguing the national football system.",
  "summary": "Carlos Queiroz has now left his position after Ghana opened the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with defeats to Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia. His seven-match spell produced one win, one draw and five defeats.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}