Government investment shows commitment to help revive Ghana football - Andre Ayew

Former Ghana captain Andre Ayew believes the government is committed to reviving football in the country, pointing to its financial support for Ghana Premier League clubs as evidence of its willingness to invest in the sport. Ayew says the government's decision to provide GHS 1m to each top-flight club demonstrates a readiness to support football's development, provided the funds are used effectively and stakeholders work together on a clear plan.

Ghanaian football has faced growing concerns over infrastructure, administration and the overall standard of the domestic game, with the Ghana Premier League coming under scrutiny over its competitiveness and public appeal. However, Ayew believes there is an opportunity to reverse the situation if the government, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and other stakeholders establish a long-term development strategy.

Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, hosted by former Chelsea and Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel, the former Black Stars captain identified infrastructure and planning as key areas requiring attention. "The biggest issue is the infrastructure.

So if we don't have the infrastructure, meaning that the planning is not right," Ayew said. He also questioned whether the available resources were being directed towards the right priorities, referring to funding provided through FIFA's development programmes.

Ayew stressed that the availability of money alone would not be enough to transform Ghanaian football, arguing that the country needed a coordinated approach involving the government and football authorities. "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 said.

Ayew cited the government's financial support for Ghana Premier League clubs as an encouraging sign, saying it showed a willingness to help address the challenges facing the sport. "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 added.

The former Olympique de Marseille and Swansea City forward believes greater confidence in the management of football resources could encourage more individuals and organisations to invest in the game. "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 said.