Ghana Football Has Been Taking a Nose Dive for the Past Decade — Ken Bediako

Veteran Ghanaian sports journalist Ken Bediako says the decline of Ghana football has been ongoing for more than a decade, blaming poor organisation and weak football administration for the country’s struggles on the international stage.

Speaking in an interview with broadcaster Kafui Dey, Bediako said he was not surprised by Ghana’s current challenges because, in his view, the country’s football system has been deteriorating for years.

“It has been happening. We’ve taken a nose dive for the past decade.”

According to the football historian, Ghana’s decline is not simply about players or coaches but reflects deeper problems in how the sport is managed.

“It’s all by and through organisation and the running of football in the country.”

Bediako criticised what he described as the dominance of a small group of football administrators, whom he said have not done enough to improve the standards of the game.

He argued that Ghana once had a stronger football foundation, with better player development structures and clearer pathways from youth football to the senior national team.

The veteran journalist compared the current situation with earlier generations of Black Stars players, who he said developed together through youth competitions and domestic football before becoming national team stars.

He noted that Ghana’s success in past decades was built on proper planning and investment in talent development.

Bediako called for major reforms in Ghana football, including stronger administration, improved domestic competitions and greater focus on developing players locally.

He warned that without structural changes, Ghana risks continuing its decline despite having abundant football talent.

“There’s a lot of talent in Ghana.”

According to him, the challenge is not finding footballers but creating the right environment for them to grow and compete at the highest level.