Andre Ayew backs government support to revive Ghana football

Former Ghana captain Andre Ayew says government support is crucial to rebuilding Ghana football, but insists investment must be accompanied by proper planning, improved infrastructure and effective management of resources.

Ayew believes the government's decision to provide financial assistance to Ghana Premier League clubs is a positive indication of its commitment to the sport.

However, he has called on football authorities to work closely with government officials to develop a clear strategy that can address the challenges facing the domestic game and deliver long-term improvements.

Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, hosted by former Chelsea and Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel, Ayew identified infrastructure as one of the biggest obstacles to the development of football in Ghana.

“The biggest issue is the infrastructure. So if we don't have the infrastructure, meaning that the planning is not right,” he said.

Ghana football has come under scrutiny over the quality of the Premier League and the way resources are managed, prompting calls for reforms to improve the domestic competition.

Ayew argued that financial support alone would not be enough to transform the sport without a structured development plan and the facilities needed to support players and clubs.

He also raised questions about how available football funding was being used, referring to resources provided through Fifa's Forward programme.

The former Marseille and Swansea City forward said the focus should be on establishing a coordinated approach involving the Ghana Football Association (GFA), the government and other relevant officials.

“But is the money there? So when we talk about the money, from what I know, from my information, we know that you have a Fifa Forward… What it is used [for], we don't know. That's not the matter,” Ayew said.

“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.”

Ayew's comments highlight the importance he places on cooperation between the country's football administrators and the government in efforts to improve the sport.

He believes that a comprehensive plan would provide a stronger foundation for the development of Ghana football, rather than relying solely on financial injections without clear priorities.

The former Black Stars captain pointed to government funding for clubs in the Ghana Premier League as an example of the authorities' willingness to contribute to the sport's development.

He said the financial assistance provided to clubs last year demonstrated a positive intention to help improve the domestic game.

“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 funding was intended to provide support to Premier League clubs as they sought to meet the demands of competing in Ghana's top-flight competition.

Ayew, however, believes that sustaining progress will require confidence in how football's financial resources are managed. He suggested that greater transparency and effective use of funds could help attract additional investment from the private sector.

In his view, individuals and businesses would be more willing to commit money to football if they were assured that their contributions would be directed towards the right priorities.

“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,” he said.

Ayew's position is that government involvement, sound financial management and long-term planning must work together if Ghana is to improve its domestic football structure.

While he welcomed the financial support for Premier League clubs, he maintained that infrastructure and a clear development strategy remain central to restoring the country's football fortunes.