The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has attributed the poor performance of the national football team, the Black Stars, to what he describes as the deteriorating state of the country under the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Mahama’s comments follow the Black Stars’ failure to qualify for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, marking a significant setback for the team that has traditionally been a source of pride for Ghanaians.
Speaking at a mini-rally at the Akim Oda lorry station on Tuesday, November 19, during his five-day tour of the Eastern Region, Mahama urged Ghanaians to vote for change in the upcoming elections to restore hope and progress in the nation, including the revival of the Black Stars.
“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. We allowed ourselves and the likes of Sudan, a war-torn country that has qualified for AFCON and Black Stars couldn’t. 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,” he stated.