Ghana government must invest in football, says ex-Black Stars coach Chris Hughton

Former Ghana coach Chris Hughton has called on the government to increase investment in football infrastructure and the domestic game, warning that a lack of support is contributing to the country's declining competitiveness on the continent.

Ghana are in danger of missing out on a second successive Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), having suffered defeats in their opening two Group C qualifying matches against Ivory Coast and The Gambia.

Hughton believes the challenges facing Ghana have been compounded by the emergence of several strong African nations, making competition for continental honours increasingly difficult.

Speaking in an interview with the BBC, the 67-year-old said Ghana were once among Africa's leading football nations but must now contend with a much stronger field.

"Many years ago Ghana were at a level that was, if not the best team in Africa, certainly right up there," he said.

"You've seen the emergence of so many other good African nations that have made the competition levels that much higher.

"Some of these countries have so many other problems, but I do think that there needs to be an injection of government money into the structure and into the system."

The former Newcastle United and Brighton boss also expressed concern about the state of domestic football, arguing that inadequate facilities and declining supporter interest are affecting the development of the game.

He believes the Ghana Premier League, which has historically played an important role in producing talent for the national team, is no longer receiving the level of support it once enjoyed.

"In Ghana, the local game that used to produce so many good players, the support level is not there," Hughton said.

"They're playing on pitches that are not of a great level and the supporters are not coming.

"The supporters in Ghana love the Black Stars most, first and foremost, and of course the Premier League is massive there, but there isn't that support for the local game that there used to be.

"I think the government needs to do more as regards putting money into the infrastructure."

Ghana's difficult start to the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign has intensified concerns about the direction of the national team and the broader football structure.

The Black Stars, who have won the continental title four times, are seeking to revive their qualifying campaign under interim coach Kim Björkegren following the departure of Carlos Queiroz.

Ghana will take on Somalia in a double-header at the Essipong Sports Stadium with kick-off scheduled at 15:00 GMT.