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Former Ghana captain Andre Ayew believes the government is willing to help restore Ghana football to its former glory, pointing to financial support for Ghana Premier League clubs as a sign of its commitment to the sport.
Ayew made the remarks during an appearance on the Obi One Podcast, where he discussed the challenges facing Ghana football and the need for improved infrastructure, proper planning and effective use of resources.
The former Black Stars forward said the government’s reported allocation of GHS 1 million to each Ghana Premier League club demonstrated a willingness to invest in the development of the domestic game.
Ghana football has faced criticism over the state of its league, infrastructure and overall competitiveness, with concerns about the quality of the domestic football experience and the resources available to clubs.
However, Ayew believes progress is possible if government officials, football administrators and other stakeholders work together towards a clear development plan.
Andre Ayew identifies infrastructure as a major challenge
According to Ayew, infrastructure remains one of the biggest obstacles to the growth of football in Ghana.
He argued that without proper facilities and long-term planning, financial resources alone would not be enough to achieve meaningful and sustainable progress.
“The biggest issue is the infrastructure. So if we don’t have the infrastructure, meaning that the planning is not right,” he said on the podcast.
Ayew also raised questions about the broader availability and management of football funding, referring to resources associated with FIFA’s development programmes.
He stressed that the priority should be to establish a coordinated plan involving the government and football authorities, regardless of the funding sources available.
“What I think is that with that money or not, we need as a country, or as a federation, to try to have the plan with governments and officials, because without the government, it’s not possible,” he stated.
Government funding could encourage private investment
Ayew pointed to previous government financial support for Ghana Premier League clubs as evidence that the state was prepared to contribute to the development of the game.
He said confidence in how football resources are managed would be essential to attracting additional investment from individuals and businesses.
“Already last year, the government gave, I think, each club, each Premier League club, $100,000 to start with, and that’s a sign that the government wants to help,” he said.
He added that investors would be more willing to commit resources if they believed the funds would be used effectively.
“I believe that if everybody’s confident that resources are going to be used the right way, I think a lot of people are going to invest in football,” Ayew added.
His comments highlight the importance of accountability and transparency in the management of football finances, particularly as clubs seek sustainable ways to improve their operations.
A call for long-term planning in Ghana football
Ayew’s remarks suggest that restoring Ghana football’s competitiveness will require more than financial allocations. Improved infrastructure, coordinated planning and confidence in football administration will also be important.
Government support can provide a foundation for development, but sustained progress will depend on how resources are allocated, monitored and used to improve facilities, club management and the wider football system.
For Ghana football to regain its standing, cooperation between the government, the Ghana Football Association, clubs and private investors could play a significant role.
Ayew’s message is that with a clear plan and confidence in the management of resources, Ghana can create better conditions for clubs, players and supporters while encouraging greater investment in the domestic game.
