Henry Asante Twum, the Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has pushed back against critics who have labeled Ghanaian football as a ‘dead product.’
Twum emphasised the positive strides made by various national teams and highlighted Dreams FC’s success in the CAF Confederations Cup.
Twum’s remarks come amidst widespread criticism directed at the GFA, particularly in light of the Black Stars’ recent struggles on the field.
Despite this, Twum argues that Ghanaian football is on an upward trajectory, citing notable achievements such as qualification for the Women’s World Cup, gold medals won by both male and female teams, and Dreams FC’s semifinal berth in the CAF Confederations Cup.
“In the context of the word dead, something that is dead means it doesnt’t exist. But you cannot qualify for the Women’s U-20 World Cup and call yourself a dead product.
“You cannot make it to the semifinals of CAF’s second elite club competition and say your brand is dead. You cannot win the African Games in both male and female competitions and say your product is dead,” he told Akoma FM.
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The Black Satellites are now aiming for qualification to the U-20 2025 World Cup, while the Black Princesses prepare for the U-20 Women’s World Cup for the seventh consecutive time.
Meanwhile, Dreams FC’s remarkable journey in the CAF Confederations Cup stands as a beacon of hope for Ghanaian football according to Asante Twum. As they gear up to face Egyptian giants Zamalek in the semifinals, he believes their success signifies a positive step forward for Ghanaian club football.
However, he acknowledged the concerns surrounding the performance of the Black Stars, who have struggled in their recent outings.
“Yes, I agree, we have some challenges.
“I sit here and I speak as someone who is deeply involved in the day-to-day running of our football. And I know there are challenges…There are a whole lot of challenges that confront the football industry. But going to a tournament and coming back unsuccessful does not make your product dead.” he added.
Under new coach Otto Addo, the team faces Mali and the Central African Republic in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in June 2024, aiming to turn their fortunes around.