Accra: Ghana has long been a proud footballing nation, producing legends who have graced pitches across the world and lifted the spirit of an entire people. Yet in recent years, there has been a visible decline in our football, both at the national and club levels. While technical, managerial, and infrastructural issues often dominate discussions, one factor remains underexplored: The role of institutions in shaping the mindset of Ghanaians and their sense of patriotism toward local football.
According to Ghana News Agency, our schools, corporate organizations, churches, mosques, shrines, and social groups have become powerful platforms that shape cultural identity and popular interest. Unfortunately, these institutions, whether knowingly or not, have contributed to the diminishing passion for Ghanaian football. A vivid example is the phenomenon of ‘Jersey Day’-an occasion where people are encouraged to wear the jerseys of their favorite football clubs. Instead of promoting local teams, however, the day has overwhelmingly become a celebration of European clubs such as Manchester United, Chelsea, Barcelona, Real Madrid among others. This trend, replicated in schools, offices, and social spaces, sends a strong message that Ghanaian clubs and the national team are less worthy of admiration.
The consequences are far-reaching. A society that devotes its energy, attention, and even money to foreign clubs undermines the foundation of its own football development. When Ghanaian youth see their role models and teachers celebrate foreign clubs instead of Kotoko, Hearts of Oak, Medeama, or Dreams FC, they too grow up disconnected from the local football culture. Corporate institutions in Ghana, which pour millions into sponsorship of European league campaigns but hesitate to invest in Ghana’s Premier League matches, reinforce this imbalance.
The result is a vicious cycle-declining stadium attendance, underfunded clubs, poor player retention, and a struggling national team system. In the long run, this affects national development because football in Ghana is not just a sport-it is a source of employment, community identity, and national pride. In addition, the millions of cedis spent on official jerseys, satellite TV subscriptions, and betting on European leagues is capital flowing out of our economy. This is money that could be circulating within our local football ecosystem.
Again, the constant glorification of foreign leagues creates an inferiority complex. We start to believe our football is inherently ‘second-class,’ making it harder to rally behind a national team during tough times, leading to toxic fan abuse instead of constructive support. Our institutions must lead the change. Imagine the impact if schools replaced ‘European Jersey Day’ with ‘Ghana Football Day,’ where students wear jerseys of the Black Stars, Hearts of Oak, Asante Kotoko, or even their school teams. Corporations can institute ‘Local League Friday,’ encouraging staff to wear local club attire and organizing trips to watch live matches. Churches can use their influence to promote and pray for our national teams and local talents.
If Ghana football is to rise again, there must be a deliberate effort to reset our mindset and rekindle patriotism. This requires action on several levels: Corporate Investment: Businesses must see the long-term value in supporting local football as part of national development, not just a branding exercise. Media Influence: Ghanaian media must consciously balance coverage of European football with consistent promotion of local leagues and players. Cultural Pride: Citizens must recognize that wearing the jersey of Kotoko or Hearts of Oak is not just fandom-it is patriotism and a statement of identity. We must rekindle patriotism from the grassroots. Patriotism is now just waving a flag during the World Cup; it is the conscious choice to support what is ours, especially when it is not perfect. It’s buying a ticket to a league game, cheering for a local player, and criticizing with the intent to build up, not tear down.
The decline of Ghana football is not only about poor pitches, refereeing controversies, or lack of funding. It is also about mindset, institutional influence, and the weakening of national pride in our own game. If Ghanaians continue to celebrate foreign football at the expense of their own, the decline will only deepen. But if we choose to reset, embrace patriotism, and rally behind our teams, Ghana football can once again rise as a source of unity, pride, and development. The time to act is now.