TEMA, Ghana, 13th June: The Secretary General of the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), Abraham Koomson, has called for a deliberate and long-term strategy to build a strong and sustainable Black Stars team, urging authorities to move away from the current player selection approach.
According to him, Ghana currently lacks a cohesive national team that reflects the values, identity, and football culture that once defined the Black Stars and earned the country international recognition.
Speaking on Ahotor FM’s Yepe Ahunu programme on Saturday, June 13, Abraham Koomson argued that Ghana’s football authorities should revisit development structures that were successfully used in the past to strengthen the national team.
He recalled the era when Academicals served as a feeder system for the Black Stars, producing talented players who seamlessly transitioned into the national team whenever senior players retired or aged out of the squad.
“There was a deliberate system in place. When a Black Stars player was nearing retirement, a suitable replacement was already being groomed through Academicals. That ensured continuity and stability in the national team,” he explained.
Abraham Koomson’s comments come in the wake of the government’s decision, through the Ministry of Finance, to approve the release of GH¢76,466,919.20 to support the Black Stars’ participation in the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup being hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The amount includes an advance payment of GH¢58,929,500.00, the cedi equivalent of US$5 million, to facilitate the team’s preparations and cover expenses associated with its participation in the group stages of the tournament.
Reacting to the expenditure, Mr. Koomson questioned the sustainability of continuously investing huge sums in the national team without a structured development plan.
He maintained that a significant portion of the resources allocated to the Black Stars should instead be invested in building a standard national football development system capable of consistently producing quality players for the future.
“If we are spending this much money on the Black Stars, then we must build a team and a system that justifies the investment. The focus should not only be on funding participation in tournaments but also on developing a strong national team that can compete consistently at the highest level,” he stated.
Mr. Koomson further stressed that Ghana’s football revival depends on strategic planning, effective player development pathways, and a commitment to rebuilding the foundations that once made the Black Stars one of Africa’s most respected football teams.
LISTEN TO ABRAHAM KOOMSON IN THE AUDIO BELOW:
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️)/Ahotoronline.com | Ghana 🇬🇭
