SWAG calls for urgent reforms as Black Stars’ decline continues

The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) has called for urgent reforms in the management of Ghana’s national teams following the Black Stars’ disappointing start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

In a statement issued on October 1, 2026, SWAG expressed concern over Ghana’s back-to-back defeats to Cote d’Ivoire and The Gambia, describing the recent performances of the national teams as a sign of deeper problems within Ghana football. The Black Stars lost 2-0 to Cote d’Ivoire in Bouaké before suffering a 4-2 home defeat to The Gambia after taking a two-goal lead.

SWAG noted that Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 AFCON, followed by the poor start to the current qualifying campaign, points to what it described as “deep, systemic problems that require fundamental reform, not cosmetic fixes.” The association also argued that the departure of Carlos Queiroz, the latest in a series of coaching changes since 2019, should not be viewed as the solution to Ghana’s problems. “The constant through all these changes has been the administration that appointed them,” SWAG stated.

The association has therefore called for a comprehensive review of how the national teams are managed, with clear accountability at every level of the Ghana Football Association. It also wants a transparent, merit-based process for appointing the next Black Stars coach and technical staff, with selections based on competence and proven track records rather than what it described as patronage or cronyism.

SWAG further called for a revitalised domestic league capable of developing home-grown talent and creating a clear pathway from youth football to the senior national teams. The association said Ghana has reached a crossroads where competence must take precedence over sentiment, arguing that the current approach to managing the national teams is outdated and unscientific.

SWAG called on the GFA leadership to act decisively to reverse the decline of the national teams. It also urged the government to “protect the public interest and the standards of Ghana football by strengthening its supervision of the national teams, which it funds.” The statement was signed by SWAG President Kwabena Yeboah. “The time for apologies, finger-pointing and presiding over national embarrassment is over,” SWAG concluded.