Sports
The government must be involved in the running of football. "If you are the government, they are going in the name of Ghana. So we can’t just leave it for some people to run the thing because they are football people.”
Veteran Ghanaian sports journalist and football historian Ken Bediako has called for greater government involvement in the administration of football, arguing that the state’s financial commitment to the sport requires it to play a more active role in ensuring accountability and better management.
Speaking in an interview with broadcaster Kafui Dey, Bediako rejected the argument that government participation in football amounts to interference, insisting that football represents the nation and receives significant public support.
“The government must be involved in the running of football.”
According to him, Ghana cannot leave the management of the sport entirely in the hands of a few individuals simply because they are considered football experts.
“If you are the government, they are going in the name of Ghana. So we can’t just leave it for some people to run the thing because they are football people.”
Bediako explained that one of the reasons for his position is the amount of public resources committed to the Black Stars and football-related activities.
He argued that since taxpayers’ money is often used to support the national team, government must have a role in ensuring that football structures are working effectively.
“Look at the amount of money you are going to spend.”
The veteran journalist also touched on government’s support for Ghanaian fans ahead of the FIFA World Cup, after President John Mahama announced plans to provide tickets for Ghanaians living abroad to attend Black Stars matches.
Bediako said he understood the importance of supporting fans but questioned the cost involved in sending supporters from Ghana when many Ghanaians already live in host countries.
“The other day, the President was saying that it will cost over $11,000 to send one supporter to the World Cup.”
He added:
“Honestly, I don’t see the use in sending somebody to go and support the Black Stars when you have Ghanaians there.”
However, he acknowledged the government’s plan to provide match tickets for Ghanaian supporters already abroad, saying that approach would help create support for the national team during the tournament.
Bediako maintained that Ghana football needs broader reforms and stronger oversight, arguing that the decline of the Black Stars cannot be addressed without reviewing how the sport is administered.
He said football must be treated as a national asset requiring proper planning, accountability and long-term investment.
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