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Former National Sports Authority (NSA) Chief Executive Officer Seth Panwum has called on the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to resign following the Black Stars’ dramatic 4–2 defeat to The Gambia in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Panwum, who is also the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) spokesperson on sports, described the result as a serious warning about the direction of Ghanaian football and called for greater accountability from the country’s football leadership.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, Panwum said the defeat was particularly disappointing because it occurred at the Accra Sports Stadium, after Ghana had established a two-goal lead.
The Black Stars appeared to be in control after Ernest Nuamah converted a penalty in the 27th minute before Felix Afena-Gyan doubled Ghana’s advantage six minutes later.
The Gambia, however, responded strongly before half-time and eventually completed a remarkable comeback to win 4–2. CAF confirmed that Ghana remain without a point after two Group C matches.
Panwum demands accountability
Panwum said Ghana should not normalise such performances and argued that the result raised broader questions about the management and preparation of the national team.
He said his criticism was not aimed at individual players or intended to overlook injuries and suspensions, which are normal challenges in football.
Instead, he pointed to what he described as concerns over management, preparation and tactical performance.
“The Gambia came to Accra and defeated Ghana 4–2. That result should compel every serious football administrator to pause and ask whether the current approach is working,” Panwum said.
His comments follow an extremely difficult start to Ghana’s AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.
The Black Stars lost their opening Group C fixture 2–0 away to Côte d’Ivoire before surrendering a 2–0 lead against The Gambia in Accra.
Calls for GFA leadership change
Panwum has consequently called on the GFA president to take responsibility for the current state of Ghana football and step down.
According to him, such a move would create an opportunity for a new leadership direction and allow the country’s football authorities to undertake what he described as a broader rebuilding and reform process.
He also proposed several areas for attention, including:
- A comprehensive technical review of the Black Stars
- A transparent assessment of national-team preparation
- Stronger accountability within the GFA
- Increased investment in youth development
- Greater attention to Ghana’s domestic football structures
“The Black Stars belong to the Ghanaian people. They are not the property of the GFA, the government, a political party or any individual,” Panwum said.
“Ghana football deserves better. The Black Stars deserve better and the Ghanaian football supporter deserves accountability.”
Ghana face early AFCON qualifying setback
The defeat leaves Ghana bottom of Group C with no points from their opening two matches, while The Gambia have moved to six points after winning both of their games.
The result is a major setback for Carlos Queiroz’s side after Ghana had entered the campaign following a World Cup appearance in which they progressed to the knockout stage.
The GFA retained Queiroz for the AFCON qualifying campaign after his work at the 2026 World Cup. CAF reported earlier this month that the Portuguese coach had been given a new mandate following discussions between the GFA and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation.
Following the defeat to The Gambia, Queiroz was also asked about calls for his resignation. He said that if his departure would solve Ghana’s football problems, he would be the first to resign, but left the decision to the GFA.
“If my resignation is the solution for Ghana football, I will be the first to resign,” Queiroz said.
Pressure builds after another disappointing result
Panwum’s comments add to the scrutiny surrounding Ghana’s football leadership following the team’s back-to-back defeats.
However, his call for the GFA president to resign represents his own position, and no resignation by the GFA leadership has been announced in the latest reports reviewed for this article.
The GFA’s immediate challenge is now to address Ghana’s poor start to the AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign and prepare for the next stage of Group C fixtures.
For supporters, the collapse against The Gambia has raised questions about how Ghana can recover from two consecutive defeats and revive its qualification campaign.
The Black Stars will need a significant turnaround in results if they are to remain in contention for a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
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