Former Youth and Sports Minister Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye has voiced sharp criticism of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), asserting that its current structure hinders any coach from succeeding with the Black Stars.
Speaking on Kessben FM, Vanderpuye, who is also the Member of Parliament for Odododiodio, blamed the GFA for Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). He argued that systemic issues, not individual coaches, are at the root of the national team’s struggles.
“If I were the Sports Minister, I would disband the GFA,” he declared. “FIFA might suspend us for six months, but we could use that time to restructure and prepare for the next AFCON qualifiers.”
Vanderpuye expressed frustration with the recurring cycle of coaches being dismissed after poor performances while deeper problems persist. He suggested that even elite managers like Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp would face insurmountable challenges under the current setup.
“The structure is broken. Players selected by one individual dominate the squad, and the same person controls decisions on the coach, ballboys, and even the team doctor,” he lamented. “How can the Black Stars succeed in such conditions?”
The Black Stars’ dismal 2025 AFCON qualification campaign saw them finish at the bottom of their group, which included Angola, Sudan, and Niger, managing only three points from six matches.
