Corruption and political interference - Ex-sports minister identifies the two things crippling Ghana sports

Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Akua Sena Dansua, has asserted that political interference is one of the challenges impeding the progress of Ghana football.

She explained that the leadership of football governing bodies in the country resorts to political figures for major decisions instead of doing the right things to make a positive impact.

Sena Dansua, who was the sports minister during the tenure of the late President John Evans Atta Mills, also indicated that corruption among football leaders is another issue that needs to be addressed.

Speaking in an interview with Citi Sports, the former sports minister stressed the need for football authorities to be united in delivering their mandate.

“There’s a lot that has gone wrong, especially with football, in terms of leadership. I’m talking about ministerial and other association leadership. I’m talking about corruption in the sector.

"I’m talking about political interference. And I’m also talking about the inexperience and lack of unity among the playing body. I mean, I’m talking about the national teams here,” she said.

Sena Dansua urged President-elect John Dramani Mahama to appoint competent people to the Ministry of Youth and Sports to help manage sporting activities.

“So, for me, if we are coming to reset every sector of the economy, then definitely football will also benefit. And this boils down largely to the personality that will be appointed as a minister, together with competent deputies,” she added.

Ghana football has been criticized in recent times following the Black Stars' failure to qualify for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the poor performances of other national teams.

SB/EK