Former Sports Minister Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye has accused the Ghana Football Association (GFA) of giving priority to the Black Stars while neglecting the development of domestic football.
Speaking on Akoma FM, Vanderpuye criticised the direction of football administration in Ghana and said the emphasis on the senior national team was holding back local clubs.
“The current football association is the Ghana Black Stars association and not the Ghana Football Association,” he said.
He warned that the current approach could have serious consequences for two of Ghana’s traditionally biggest clubs, Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak.
Vanderpuye said both sides could be denied the opportunity to compete successfully for the Ghana Premier League title unless changes were made to the existing system.
“The current football system is affecting clubs like Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak. If we fail to address these issues, there is no way these two clubs will win the league in the next five years,” he added.
Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak are among Ghana’s most successful and widely supported clubs. However, Vanderpuye believes the structure of the domestic game is making it increasingly difficult for them to challenge for the championship.
His comments come amid renewed discussion about the GFA’s priorities and calls for more investment in domestic football. The debate is focused on whether the attention given to the Black Stars is being matched by efforts to strengthen the Ghana Premier League and the country’s wider football system.
Vanderpuye’s remarks have also raised questions about how the demands of the senior national team should be balanced with the needs of domestic clubs.
The issue centres on the future direction of Ghanaian football and whether a stronger foundation for local clubs can be created alongside support for the Black Stars.
