Former Ghana Football Association President (GFA), Dr Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, has issued a rallying cry for the Black Stars to prioritize home-grown talent in their quest for resurgence.
The veteran administrator believes that the national team’s overreliance on foreign-based players has hampered its progress and competitiveness.
Pointing to Sudan’s recent 2-0 victory over Ghana in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, which was achieved primarily with domestic talent, Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe emphasized the potential of local players. He argued that a team built around a strong foundation of domestic talent would be more cohesive and resilient.
“We cannot continue to rely solely on foreign-based players and expect to achieve significant success,” Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe stated emphatically. “The time has come to invest in our local talent and build a team that truly represents Ghana.”
The former GFA Chairman also criticized the government’s lack of investment in football, which he attributed to the Black Stars’ decline in recent years. He called for increased government support to help restore the national team’s former glory.
“Government support is crucial for the development of football in Ghana,” Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe asserted. “We need to create a conducive environment for our young players to thrive and reach their full potential.”
Drawing inspiration from Ghana’s footballing history, Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe highlighted the successes achieved under the leadership of Kwame Nkrumah, when the Black Stars dominated the African continent with predominantly local players. He praised the efforts of foreign coaches like Andreas Sjöberg and József Ember, as well as Ghanaian legend Charles Kumi Gyamfi, who played crucial roles in those triumphs.
“The era of Kwame Nkrumah serves as a testament to the potential of local talent,” Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe said. “We need to recapture that spirit and build a team that can compete at the highest level.”
While acknowledging the challenges faced by successive governments after Nkrumah’s overthrow, Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe emphasized the importance of government support for the Black Stars. He cited examples like General Kuti Acheampong’s personal investment in football and Jerry John Rawlings’ unwavering support during their respective tenures.
“Government support is essential for the development of football in Ghana,” Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe reiterated. “We need to create a conducive environment for our young players to thrive and reach their full potential.”
Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe lamented the current lack of government commitment and warned that Ghana’s footballing prowess is at risk. He urged the government to prioritize the Black Stars and invest in their development to ensure a brighter future for the national team.
