Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Minister of State-designate for Government Communications, has voiced deep concerns about the declining state of sports in Ghana, citing the Black Stars’ failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as a major setback.
For the first time in two decades, Ghana will not feature in the continental tournament, set to be hosted in Morocco later this year. The Black Stars, four-time AFCON champions, endured a dismal qualifying campaign, recording three draws and three losses, and finishing at the bottom of Group F with just three points.
Speaking on TV3, Kwakye Ofosu lamented the negative impact of this failure on national morale and interest in sports.
“In the sporting arena, there is little to be enthusiastic about these days. As a Ghanaian sports fan, I support the Black Stars, but we failed to qualify for the AFCON. Many Ghanaians have lost interest in what the national teams do,” he remarked.
He also highlighted the broader decline in domestic football, noting his dwindling connection with local clubs.
“These days, I claim to support Hearts of Oak, but I can’t name even one player from the club. The same goes for Asante Kotoko. Sports in Ghana is essentially dead, and rekindling public interest in national teams is becoming an increasingly difficult task,” he added.
Despite the disappointment, the Black Stars will have an opportunity to rebuild when they return to action in March 2025 for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where they are set to face Chad and Madagascar.
