Current GFA structure will make it difficult for even Pep or Klopp to succeed - Nii Lante Vanderpuye

Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye, believes the current structure of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) will make it difficult for top European coaches to succeed as Black Stars coach.

The senior national team has made little impact under the Kurt Okraku led administration. The Black Stars suffered back to back group phase elimination in the 2021 and 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon and Ivory Coast respectively.

The struggles of the team has been compounded by failing to qualify for the 2025 AFCON tournament having finished at the bottom of Group F with three poinst after six games.

Speaking to Kessben FM, the Member of Parliament of the Odododiodio constituency, said the structure at the GFA has contributed to the Black Stars' recent failures but others have been blamed for the results.

"If I were the Sports Minister, I would disband the GFA. We are not going to be at the Africa Cup of Nations," he said.

"FIFA will suspend us for six months and we will use that period to put things in order so we build a team for the next AFCON qualifiers.

"Let’s ask ourselves, why should we always sit and allow the GFA to sack the coach when the Black Stars fail?" he quizzed

He went ahead to say it would be difficult for managers like Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp to enjoy successful stints when put in charge of the Black Stars.

"What is going on in Ghana football, if you hire Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp or any top coach and we don’t change the structure, we will still fail," he added.

"We have created a structure where the players of one person are playing for the Black Stars, he’s the one appointing the coach, managing ballboys and team doctor. How will the Black Stars succeed?"

The Black Stars will return to action in March 2025 for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers with games against Chad and Madagascar.