The Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has blamed the failure of the Black Stars to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on the governance of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

He bemoaned the dwindling fortunes of the senior national team, especially their inability to beat war-torn Sudan in the qualifiers.

The former president attributed the struggles of the Black Stars to the poor governance of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's failure to appoint the right persons to spearhead sporting activities in the country.

Speaking at a campaign event at Akim Oda on Tuesday, November 11, 2024, Mahama noted that Ghana not qualifying for the AFCON is a huge disappointment.

“We have lost everything. Even the Black Stars team, which we used as our source of entertainment, is now in its worst state. For the past 20 years, anytime it is time for AFCON, the Black Stars will take part. But we have failed to even make it through qualifiers.”

He added “It is all because of the bad governance we have been subjected to for the past eight years but democracy has allowed us to change government every four years. So, we have another opportunity on December 7 to change this government. Let’s do that peacefully.”

The Black Stars, under coach Otto Addo, failed to qualify for the 2025 AFCON tournament.

After six matches, Ghana was left at the bottom of Group F with just three points, recording three losses and three draws.

In Group F, Angola and Sudan qualified, while Ghana and Niger failed to progress to the next stage of the competition.

It is the first time in 21 years that Ghana has failed to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

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