President John Mahama has called for a revival of Ghanaian club football, admitting that the country’s fortunes on the African continent have declined in recent years.
Mahama made the remarks on Tuesday when Ghanaian clubs Medeama SC, Nations FC and Ampem Darkoa Ladies paid a courtesy call on him at the Jubilee House following their domestic successes and qualification for continental competitions.
The President expressed concern over the declining performance of Ghanaian clubs in Africa and urged stakeholders to find ways to restore the country’s reputation as a powerhouse of continental club football.
“Our fortunes at the club level have dwindled, and we need to find out why our club-level soccer is not as strong as it used to be. We should be able to build more giants and winners on the continent,” Mahama said.
Mahama also commended individuals who continue to finance Ghanaian clubs from their personal resources, acknowledging the significant financial burden involved in maintaining competitive teams.
“I want to commend those who, out of their own pocket, are funding these teams. I know it’s a very heavy obligation. And so I want to commend you for the enthusiasm and the interest that you have taken in supporting these things.”
The President revealed that government was preparing to provide additional support through the Sports Development Fund, while also encouraging greater investment from the private sector.
“I can assure you that help is at hand. We’ve set up the Sports Development Fund, and government will commit some money to it. But we’re also looking to the private sector to put in additional money.”
The three clubs were invited to the Jubilee House after winning major domestic honours last season and earning the right to represent Ghana in continental competitions.
Medeama won the Ghana Premier League title and are representing the country in the CAF Champions League, while Nations FC lifted the MTN FA Cup and are competing in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Ampem Darkoa Ladies, meanwhile, won the Women’s Premier League title and represented Ghana in the WAFU B Women’s Champions League qualifiers, reaching the final of the competition.
As part of the government’s support, Mahama announced a combined $60,000 financial package for the three clubs. Medeama received $30,000, Nations FC were presented with $20,000, while Ampem Darkoa Ladies received $10,000.
The President’s call comes at a time when Ghana is seeking to restore the status of its clubs in African football, with the country having gone several years without winning a major CAF inter-club title.
Mahama’s remarks underline the need for stronger financial investment, improved structures and greater collaboration between government, the private sector and football stakeholders to help Ghanaian clubs compete successfully at the continental level.
