Mahama Calls on Kofi Adams to Initiate Sports Reforms Starting with the GFA

Former President John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghana’s newly appointed Minister for Youth and Sports, Kofi Adams, to begin his reform efforts by targeting the Ghana Football Association (GFA), underlining the urgent need for a drastic overhaul to revive the country’s football and national sports sector. Mahama emphasized the significance of restoring the Black Stars to their former glory and reestablishing Ghana as a competitive force in African and world sports.

In a speech at Adams’ swearing-in ceremony at the Jubilee House in Accra, Mahama openly expressed his concerns about the current state of Ghanaian football. The Black Stars’ failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time in over two decades has been a major blow to the country’s footballing reputation. This marks a turning point where Mahama believes swift and decisive reforms are required to restore the team’s position as one of Africa’s strongest sides.

“You have an enormous task ahead of you, Honourable Kofi Adams,” Mahama said, acknowledging the weight of the challenges Adams faces as the new Minister for Sports. “Your responsibility is to help bring Ghana back to its rightful place in sports, not just in Africa, but globally. The current state of Ghanaian sports is truly disappointing, and the situation within the football community is unacceptable. I believe the GFA must be the starting point for the changes we need to see.”

Mahama’s remarks followed a period of heightened frustration with the GFA’s management, with the national team’s struggles reflecting deeper systemic issues within the organization. The Black Stars’ failure to qualify for major tournaments like the AFCON, as well as their poor performance on the international stage, has led to growing calls for greater accountability and reform. Mahama underscored that the GFA has been criticized for poor planning, ineffective leadership, and a lack of transparency in managing the team and football operations in the country.

The former president suggested that Adams’ first course of action should be to work closely with the GFA to address these longstanding issues, starting with overhauling its management structures and introducing modern practices. He emphasized the need for more professionalism, transparency, and clear accountability within the association to restore public trust and foster a more competitive environment for Ghanaian football.

Under Mahama’s leadership, Ghana’s football had reached significant milestones, but recent years have seen a decline in performance. Once considered one of Africa’s strongest footballing nations, the Black Stars have suffered multiple setbacks, including poor results in recent AFCON tournaments and failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. Mahama believes these setbacks are symptomatic of deeper structural problems that Adams must address if the team is to reclaim its former status.

The key to this transformation, Mahama argued, lies in a comprehensive restructuring of Ghana’s football, focusing not just on the senior national team but also on grassroots development. He urged Adams to prioritize youth programs, talent scouting, and the development of young players, all of which are essential for ensuring the long-term success of the Black Stars. Furthermore, Mahama pointed to the importance of improving player management systems, which includes better nurturing of talent at the local level and ensuring that players are adequately supported throughout their careers.

Additionally, Mahama emphasized the need for long-term strategic planning. He highlighted that for Ghanaian football to regain its competitive edge, sustainable policies must be implemented to strengthen the entire football ecosystem, from youth football to the professional level. According to Mahama, it is crucial for the GFA to adopt a more forward-thinking approach that integrates modern management practices and includes stakeholders across the board, from players and coaches to supporters and sponsors.

Adams, tasked with leading this charge, now has a significant opportunity to reshape the future of Ghanaian football. Mahama’s advice serves as a clear mandate: the GFA must be restructured to ensure that Ghana’s football not only recovers from its current slump but rises to be a dominant force once again in African and global football. The hopes of millions of Ghanaians rest on Adams’ ability to implement these changes and restore pride to the Black Stars.