Kofi Adams: Ghana football needs rebuild beyond 'cosmetic changes'

Ghana's Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Iddie Adams has called for a wholesale rebuilding of the country's football system, saying superficial reforms are no longer enough to address the sport's longstanding challenges.

Speaking at the Ghana Football Association's 32nd Ordinary Congress in Prampram on Thursday, Adams said future reforms should be measured by tangible improvements in player development, club strength, league quality and fan engagement.

"At some point, we must accept that Ghana football requires rebuilding," the Buem MP told delegates.

"Not cosmetic changes, not another scattered competition, workshop or programme that exists beautifully on paper but cannot be seen in the development of the player, the strength of the club, the quality of the league or the connection with the supporters."

His remarks come amid renewed debate over the direction of Ghana football and calls for stronger structures to support grassroots development, clubs and domestic competitions.

Adams argued that the success of any reform agenda should be judged by its impact rather than the number of initiatives introduced.

He identified player development as a priority, saying programmes and policies must create clearer pathways for young footballers and produce better outcomes on the pitch.

The minister also highlighted the need for stronger, better-managed clubs, describing them as essential to creating a healthier football environment and a more competitive domestic game.

Improving the standard of the Ghana Premier League, he said, should form part of the wider rebuilding effort, with the domestic competition playing a crucial role in developing local talent and providing a foundation for the country's national teams.

Adams also stressed the importance of rebuilding trust and strengthening the relationship between football institutions, clubs and supporters.

His intervention adds to growing calls for long-term structural reform in Ghana football, with the minister insisting that development programmes alone will have limited value unless they deliver visible improvements across the game.