Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has left the nation in shock and anger.
The frustration is palpable, with widespread calls for the resignation of the Head Coach of the Senior National Football Team (Black Stars), Otoo Addo, and even the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku.
While the disappointment is valid, it is imperative to focus on the future rather than dwell on this setback. The AFCON dream may be over, but a greater journey lies ahead—the World Cup.
This is not the time to let frustration cloud our judgment or destroy our collective dream. Instead, it is an opportunity to rebuild with courage, introspection, and strategy.
Coach Otoo Addo must begin by addressing the gaps in his tactics. The excuses, psychological games, and pandering to popular opinion must stop. Fans are frustrated because results have not met expectations, and attempts to manipulate public sentiment by shifting blame to certain players have only worsened the situation.
Recent controversies surrounding senior players like Andre Dede Ayew, Thomas Partey, and Jordan Ayew must teach us one lesson: “The job is available” – a popular Ghanaian saying.
Coach Otoo Addo must prioritize consistency by sticking to a core group of players, especially those who delivered in the last two matches. A stable team will develop chemistry, and chemistry will translate into results. Let’s move past the distractions and focus on building a disciplined and strategic team.
If this is done, winning the World Cup is within reach.
The Role of the Media
Dear media colleagues, the power of commentary on the game cannot be underestimated. Let me recount an example to illustrate this. During the 2014 World Cup, Ghana played a critical group-stage match against Portugal. At one point, Ghana’s goalkeeper, Fatau Dauda, made a fantastic save, only for the ball to rebound to Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored.
A prominent Ghanaian commentator emotionally declared on air that Dauda “intentionally” directed the ball to Ronaldo because he had “never seen a superstar before.”
This claim was inappropriate, but the damage was done. Many fans believed it, and Dauda’s career in the national team dived. A moment of emotional commentary turned a hardworking player into a scapegoat in the eyes of Ghanaians.
This incident serves as a cautionary tale for sports journalists. While emotions are inevitable in sports, professionalism and objectivity must guide our commentary. Unrealistic expectations or turning players into villains can damage careers and shake the confidence of the entire team.
As sports journalists, our role is pivotal in shaping public perception and morale. This is not the time for sensationalism or emotional outbursts. We must be fair, balanced, and constructive in our criticism.
Rather than claim that the current team can win every match, we should acknowledge their challenges while highlighting opportunities for growth and improvement. This will inspire confidence and give the players and technical team the space they need to rebuild.
Responsibility of the GFA
The Ghana Football Association must also accept responsibility for this failure. This disgraceful outcome did not happen overnight—it has been years in the making. Concerns raised by critics and stakeholders were ignored, with dissenting voices dismissed as enemies of progress. Now, the results have proven the critics right.
GFA President Kurt Okraku must either step down or admit his shortcomings and work to address them. Transparency, discipline, and a willingness to listen are crucial. The association must lead the charge in ensuring that Ghanaian football rises from this disappointment stronger and better prepared.
A New Beginning
Yes, Ghana can win the World Cup. It may sound ambitious, but with a tactically astute coach, disciplined players, emotionally intelligent broadcasters, and an accountable GFA, it is within reach.
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Let’s all admit that we are back to zero, but not in the negative—it is an opportunity to build afresh. Together, we can turn this heartbreak into a stepping stone to greatness.
Let us not allow the pain of this moment to derail the journey ahead. Instead, let us rally behind the Black Stars, demand better from leadership, and create an environment that fosters success.
Dear Otoo Addo, stop the distractions, perfect your tactics, and focus on building a cohesive team. If you do this, not only will you win back the nation’s trust—you just might bring home the World Cup.
By: Ebenezer Madugu, Broadcast Journalist, Atinka Media Village
