Ernest Thompson
Former Black Stars Management Committee member Ernest Thompson has warned against calls to dissolve the Ghana Football Association (GFA) following the Black Stars’ poor start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Ghana have lost their opening two Group C matches, prompting calls for major changes within the country’s football administration.
Former Sports Minister, Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye and Communications Minister, Samuel Nartey George are among those backing calls for the GFA to be dissolved.
However, Thompson believes such a move could create further problems because of FIFA rules on government interference in football.
“Something has to be done about the GFA,” Thompson told Joy FM. “Meet them, sit down with them and see how best you can help them solve the problems that they have.”
Thompson said he would not support Ghana entering another period of football normalisation and urged Sports Minister Kofi Adams to bring key stakeholders together to address the issues.
“The GFA must accept that they have problems and be willing to accept help,” he said.
He also questioned the process used to select the Black Stars squad for the opening qualifiers, claiming the Management Committee did not meet to consider the squad before its announcement.
“I found a complete disconnect between members of the Black Stars management team and some members of the GFA,” Thompson said.
He further questioned how several players were able to withdraw after being called up, asking who approved the squad and whether the necessary medical checks had been conducted.
The Black Stars lost 2-0 to Ivory Coast before surrendering a two-goal lead in a 4-2 home defeat to The Gambia, leaving them bottom of Group C without a point.
Carlos Queiroz has since departed as head coach, with a five-member committee tasked with finding his replacement.
Ghana will return to qualifying action in November with back-to-back matches against Somalia.
BY Wletsu Ransford