The Black Stars’ campaign in the 2022 World Cup ended in frustration as they were eliminated in the group stages. The woes continued in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where Ghana suffered a similar fate, exiting the tournament at the group stage. The continuous poor performances have led to increased scrutiny of MTN Ghana’s financial commitment to the team.
At a farewell stakeholder engagement, Adadevoh responded to queries about MTN’s ongoing investment, emphasizing the importance of supporting the team through both highs and lows.
He highlighted the need to rebuild the necessary structures for the Black Stars to regain their former glory, citing the team’s significance as a source of pride for Ghanaians on the global stage.
“When you support a team, you have to support them through the good and the bad times. The Black Stars are going through a tough time right now, and it’s important for us to continue to support them so we can rebuild the structures that are required for the Black Stars to succeed,” Adadevoh expressed.
He further emphasized the cultural and national importance of the Black Stars, noting that they are one of the few elements consistently associated with Ghana beyond its borders. Adadevoh mentioned figures like Kwame Nkrumah and Kofi Annan, highlighting the team’s enduring impact over the last few decades.
Despite this heartfelt message, sports enthusiasts are questioning the silence from the Football Association (FA) and the sports ministry following the Black Stars’ abysmal performance in AFCON 2023.
The absence of official statements has created a void of information, leaving fans with more questions than answers regarding the team’s future direction and the utilization of funds.
The further mystery is a recent revelation by Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwah, a Member of Parliament for the North Tongu constituency.
Ablakwah exposed a supposedly $8.5 million budget presented to Parliament, ostensibly detailing expenditures related to Ghana’s participation in the AFCON tournament. The lack of transparency surrounding this budget has intensified public demand for accountability and a clear understanding of the financial aspects of the national team.
As the Black Stars embark on the search for a new coach following the dismissal of Chris Hughton, the broader question remains: Why is the FA avoiding public engagement and transparency? The public outcry underscores the urgent need for the FA and the sports ministry to address concerns, ensuring accountability and building trust in the management of Ghanaian football.
The future of the Ghana Black Stars and the nature of MTN Ghana’s sponsorship are now subjects of intense public scrutiny, raising important questions about the management transparency within the nation’s football administration.
