Sports
Why local footballers struggle to break into Black Stars
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DESPITE producing some of the most talented footballers on the continent, Ghana’s senior national team, the Black Stars, has long been criticised for overlooking local talent.
While players plying their trade in top European leagues regularly feature in the team, those cutting their teeth in the Ghana Premier League (GPL) and other domestic competitions often find themselves left out in the cold.
This trend raises important questions about the selection process, talent identification, and the role of local football in nurturing the next generation of Black Stars.
This article seeks to explore the reasons behind this phenomenon and examine the implications for Ghanaian football as a whole.
Reasons
Lack of exposure: Local footballers may not get the same level of exposure as their European-based counterparts, making it harder for national team coaches to notice them.
Preference for European-based players: Coaches may prefer players with experience in top European leagues, perceiving them as more skilled and battle-hardened.
Limited scouting: Insufficient scouting efforts in local leagues might lead to talented players being overlooked.
Competition: The level of competition in local leagues might be perceived as lower compared to European leagues.
Player migration: Many talented Ghanaian players migrate to foreign clubs at a young age, making them more visible to national team selectors.
Selection bias: Coaches might have preconceived notions or biases towards certain players or leagues.
Infrastructure and resources: Local clubs might lack the infrastructure and resources to develop players to their full potential.
Media: Media and public expectations might influence selection decisions, favouring more high-profile players.
Implications for local players
Demotivation: Constantly being overlooked can demotivate local players, affecting their performance and enthusiasm.
Limited opportunities: Lack of representation in the national team limits opportunities for local players to gain international exposure and experience.
Exodus: Frustrated local players might seek opportunities abroad, potentially weakening the local league.
Stunted development: Without national team experience, local players might miss out on high-level coaching, training, and competition.
Loss of confidence: Repeatedly being passed over can erode a players’ confidence in their abilities.
Career impact: Not making it to the national team can impact a players’ career prospects and earning potential.
Perception of inadequacy: Local players might feel their talent and hard work aren’t recognised or valued.
Brain drain: Top local talents might be lured away by foreign clubs, depleting the local league’s quality.
Implications for local clubs
Financial impact: Local clubs might lose revenue from transfer fees and sponsorships if their top players are consistently overlooked by the national team.
Decreased visibility: Lack of national team representation can reduce local clubs’ visibility and exposure, making it harder to attract fans, sponsors, and top talent.
Demotivation of players, coaches: If local clubs’ players are consistently overlooked, it can demotivate coaches and players, affecting team performance and morale.
Talent drain: Local clubs might struggle to retain top players who seek opportunities abroad, weakening the league’s overall quality.
Loss of pride, prestige: Not producing national team players can diminish local clubs’ pride and prestige, impacting their reputation and fan support.
Reduced investment: Investors and sponsors might be deterred from supporting local clubs if they don’t see a clear pathway to national team representation.
Stunted League development: The local league’s growth and competitiveness might suffer if top players aren’t given opportunities to develop and showcase their skills at the national level.
Impact on fan engagement: Fans might lose interest in local clubs if they don’t see their favourite players represented in the national team.
Implications on GPL
Decreased competitiveness: Lack of national team representation for local players might lead to decreased competitiveness and quality in the league.
Loss of top talent: The league might struggle to retain top players who seek opportunities abroad, weakening its overall strength.
Reduced fan interest: Fans might lose interest in the league if they don’t see their favourite players represented in the national team.
Financial impact: Reduced interest and visibility could lead to decreased revenue from sponsorships, broadcasting rights, and ticket sales.
Stunted growth: The league’s growth and development might be hindered if local players aren’t given opportunities to showcase their skills at the national level.
Perception of inferiority: The league might be perceived as inferior, deterring top players, coaches, and investors from participating.
Impact on sponsorship: Sponsors might be hesitant to invest in the league or local clubs if they don’t see a clear return on investment.
Talent development: The league’s ability to develop and nurture young talent might be compromised if players aren’t exposed to high-level competition.
Solutions
Increased scouting: National team coaches and scouts should regularly attend local league matches to identify and talent-spot.
Local League development: Invest in improving local league infrastructure, coaching, and resources to enhance player development.
Exposure opportunities: Create more opportunities for local players to gain international exposure through friendlies, tournaments, or training camps.
Merit-based selection: Ensure national team selection is based on merit, talent, and form, rather than bias or reputation.
Local talent identification programmes: Establish programmes to identify and nurture young talent in local clubs and Leagues.
Collaboration between local clubs and national team: Foster closer relationships between local clubs and the national team to facilitate player development and selection.
Coaching and training: Provide local players with access to high-quality coaching, training, and resources to enhance their skills.
Media and public awareness: Raise awareness about the importance of local talent development and the potential of Ghanaian players.
Player development pathways: Establish clear pathways for local players to progress to the national team, including youth development programmes.
Review selection process: Regularly review and refine the national team selection process to ensure fairness, transparency, and merit-based selection.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the struggles of Ghanaian local footballers to break into the Black Stars are a complex issue rooted in various factors.
However, by acknowledging these challenges and implementing solutions that promote local talent development, increase exposure opportunities, and ensure merit-based selection, Ghanaian football can unlock the potential of its local players.
It’s time to give local talent a chance to shine on the biggest stage.
By doing so, we can strengthen the Black Stars, revitalise the local league, and inspire a new generation of Ghanaian footballers. The future of Ghanaian football depends on it.
By Seth Armah Casillas
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In the midst of the storm that rocked professional boxing organisation almost a year ago, a decision was taken which is unprecedented in the annals of the sport in Ghana.
Following the death of a Nigerian boxer in a Ghanaian ring, the modus operandi of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) was questioned in various quarters.
Just when the storm appeared to have settled, another disaster struck. Ernest Akushey ‘Baubali’, a famous local boxer was lost to the icy hands of death, 10 clear days after a bout. It was such an unfortunate incident. May he keep resting in peace.
Even before the cause of death comes out, the GBA administration was put on the chopping board, and became a gum in the mouth of all. Almost everyone ‘chewed’ some.
Perhaps, considering the weight and ignominy of the incident, the mighty and powerful had to step in, taking major decisions to ensure some sanity in the sport.
Among the popular decisions arising out of this intervention was the call for sweeping reforms that led to the establishment of an Interim Management Committee (IMC) which has now assumed the role of the GBA because of the failure to organize elections to handover to an elected body because of the non-availability of funds.
The second was the last minute cancelation of a promotion to be staged by former boxer, Michael Nii Ayitey Okai, aka Ayittey Powers.
There appears to be some calm over the first decision as boxing stakeholders wait patiently, hoping that the IMC does the needful in no time.
But the latter, regarding the cancelation of the bout has continued, becoming a tango between the former boxer-now-turned promoter and the Director General of the National Sports Authority, Mr Yaw Ampofo Ankrah (YAA).
The Accra Regional Police Command this week arrested the veteran boxer, after he has reported himself at the station, over an alleged threat of death made against Mr. Ankrah after a video of him talking about the issue went viral.
A police statement said ‘Dada Powers’ was arrested in connection with an alleged threat made against the NSA boss.
Sadly, the circumstances under which the decision to cancel the promotion was made and the absence of a precedent to follow, have made a solution difficult to come by, a year after.
One remembers the back and forth about the decision as to whether the fight would be staged or not.
With assurances that the fight would go on, Powers claimed to have paid so much to boxers in terms of purses and other organizational expenditures, only for the NSA boss to drop the ill-fated announcement cancelling the promotion.
Since then, Dada Powers has seen the decision as a unilateral one from the NSA boss and has constantly blamed YAA for his present predicament. What is, however not clear is the form of compensation Powers is asking for.
As of now, one is at a loss whether he is seeking a refund of his expenditure or awaiting clearance to stage the fight.
If it were to be the latter, there would be no problem with that since boxing promotion has return in full force with the IMC sanctioning close or over 10 promotions.
This problem should not have arisen in the first place if that decision had been carefully thought through. If that was done, it would have found a way out of the mess it created for both parties.
Clearly, Powers is seeking for a sort of compensation which he has failed to communicate well. Despite the guidance from well-meaning people, he decides to sometimes use some ‘ring’ tactics to express his concerns.
If Powers is not aware, he must be advised that there are laws that governs every transaction or activity so no matter how legitimate his concerns may be, he is bound by the same laws to demand for justice in the right way.
Now in the custody of the police and latest reports suggesting the matter has ended up in court, the focus now shifts from the substantive matter to his behaviour that puts him in a bad light for a certain class of people.
Instead of seeing Yaw as an ‘enemy of progress,’ he must show an interest in working closely with him and others to find an amicable solution.
Maybe by extension, the decision to cancel that bout should be subjected to a probe – to know how it came about, it merits and demerits and whether it was in the best interest for Ghana boxing.
By Andrew Nortey
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With the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League season set to kick off on September 4, clubs have continued to fine-tune their squads, with a number of late additions and free-agent deals shaping up ahead of the new campaign.
From established Premier League sides such as Asante Kotoko, Hearts of Oak, Medeama, Aduana FC, FC Samartex and Berekum Chelsea to ambitious lower-tier clubs, there has been significant movement in the transfer market.
Here is a rundown of the notable deals involving Ghana Premier League clubs:
Medeama SC strengthen across the pitch
Medeama have been among the busiest clubs, adding depth in midfield, defence and attack. The Mauve and Yellows have brought in Etse Dogli from Heart of Lions on a three-year deal, while Emmanuel Boateng arrives from Eleven Wonders on a two-year contract. Dominic Frimpong, a free agent, has also joined to bolster the attack on a three-year deal. Other additions include Usman Safianu, Abdul Rahman Yaya, Emmanuel Annor from Nations FC, and winger Emmanuel Fobi, who arrives from Georgia’s Dila Gori on a three-year deal.
Medeama have also recruited Issah Ibrahim from Latvia, Sudanese goalkeeper Monged Abuzaid Salman, midfielder Blessing Kwabena Dwamena, Jelillu Osman from New Edubiase, Emmanuel Anokye from Sporting Club Accra, and right-back Ebenezer Adade from Dreams FC.
Port City FC add experience and attacking options
Port City have also been active, bringing in several players to strengthen their squad. Kwabena Adu Meider and Francis Gyetuah arrive as free agents, while Stephen Diyou joins from Hohoe United.
The club have also secured Gideon Waja from WAFA, Ishak Suraj from Lebanese side Al Ahly, free-agent defender Samuel Gyimah, goalkeeper Daniel Amissah on a two-year deal, and Elliot Affotey from Heart of Lions on a three-year contract. Daniel Osei Snr., a defensive midfielder from Hohoe United, completes another addition to the squad.
Hearts of Oak bring in several young talents
Hearts of Oak have invested heavily in young players, including a number of long-term deals. Abdul Aziz arrives from Swedru All Blacks on a three-year deal, while free agent Ebenezer Amoh joins on a two-year contract. The Phobians have also secured Rockson Kyeremeh and centre-back Manuel Osei Djan from PAC Academy, both on five-year contracts.
Other arrivals include Caleb Koranteng from Victory Club Warriors, Alex Banso from Namoro FC, free-agent right-back Prince Amevor, goalkeeper Vicente Anane, Ivorian forward Mamadou Kader Kourouma, and free-agent defensive midfielder Dominic Nsobila.
Swedru All Blacks continue recruitment drive
Swedru All Blacks have added a sizeable group of players. Among them are Mohammed Musah Salifu from Tamale City, David Lartey from Dreams Chasers, Prince Arthur and Kelvin Ampoful from Nations FC, and winger Samuel Osei Kofi from Nsuopun Fidelity.
Free agent Faisal Chawetey, forward Vincent Baah Jnr from Tema Faith, centre-back Michael Abrokwa from Nations FC, forward John Ahuma Ocansey, midfielder Godfred Yartey from Cheetah FC, winger Andy Koramoah from Auroras, right-back Kojo Quansah from Samartex, and defender Latif Blessing from Cheetah FC have also joined.
Samartex add four
FC Samartex have strengthened with four additions. Ebenezer Okrah and Prince Affum arrive from Sefwi All Stars, while Joshua Fuseini joins from Golden Kick. Meshack Adjetey Sowah also arrives from Vision FC on a three-year deal.
Aduana FC bolster defence and attack
Aduana FC have brought in several players, including free agent Shawkan Hunalf Mohammed, defensive midfielder Samuel Tenedu from Berekum Chelsea, and centre-back Boa-At Regain from Bechem United. They have also signed free agent Stephen Amankona, right-back Abdul Latif Mohammed from Victory Club Warriors, winger Emmanuel Abban from Bechem United, Zakaria Fuseini from Techiman Liberty Youth, and free-agent left-back Bismark Anim on a two-year deal.
AshantiGold make international additions
FC Ashantigold have recruited from both Ghana and abroad. Raphael Kodjo Etchonou arrives from ESA Academy in Togo, while Burkina Faso defender Ben Yamine Nassirou Kabore joins from Etoile Filante. The club have also signed free-agent right-back Kamal Suraje on a three-year deal and goalkeeper Kwaku Musah, also on a three-year contract.
Other additions include Fatao Seidu, Sirinu Huzaifah from Skyy FC, Saddick Ibrahim Abubakar from Skyy, Ishmael Acquah from Skyy, William Addo from Unity FC, free-agent winger Alhassan Benny, and goalkeeper Thomas Kwabena Osei from Heart of Lions.
Gold Stars add attacking firepower
Gold Stars have brought in Nicholas Amekpewu from Elmina Sharks on a three-year deal, while centre-back Claude Shooting Bortey arrives as a free agent. They have also signed Kwame Opoku, another free agent, on a two-year deal.
Heart of Lions build new-look squad
Heart of Lions have also been busy, with several free-agent signings. Francis Odoom from Hohoe United joins on a two-year deal, alongside centre-back Abdul Jalilu, goalkeeper Edmund Wireko, winger William Oduro, centre-back Pius Baffuor, winger Sena Ati, and forward Mustapha Yakubu. Stephen Afoakwa from Faith Football Academy is another addition.
Other notable movements
Berekum Chelsea have recruited forward Jamal Haruna on a three-year deal, while Diawisie Taylor, Awuah Dramani, Chyereme Shadirac, Fuseini Zakaria, goalkeeper Zulka Massawudu, and Augustine Boakye have also joined.
At Asante Kotoko SC, goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim arrives on a two-year deal, while the Porcupine Warriors have also added Emmanuel Mamah, Ivorian centre-back Koffi Marius Ange Bini, free agent Isaac Opoku Agyemang, Burkina Faso midfielder Abdoul Kader Tarnagda, Cameroonian midfielder Solomon Nsor Asaah, Moroccan goalkeeper Abdel Wadie Mourad, and Albanian defender Umar Ali from Partizani.
Karela United have signed Wisdom Jonas Manyina from RTU on a three-year deal, alongside Frank Ackom from Nsuopun Fidelity, Iddi Mahfuz, Edmund Afurapoe from Eleven Wonders, goalkeeper Kwaku Musah, Angel Ewulla, Collins Ntiful from Okwawu United, Issah Abdul Basit from Golden Warriors, forward Mohammed Alhassan Mankuyeli, Ebenezer Amegah from Hohoe United, and free-agent forward Prince Opoku Agyemang. Vision FC have also added Kwadwo Boamah from Hohoe United and Faruk Mohammed from Nations FC.
The final preparations begin
With the transfer deadline now passed and the Ghana Premier League scheduled to begin on September 4, attention will turn from recruitment to preparation.
The sheer volume of movement suggests that several clubs will enter the new campaign with significantly different squads. For coaches, the immediate challenge will be turning these new arrivals into cohesive teams before the opening whistle of the new Premier League season.
