Ghana must rebuild from the grassroots after World Cup exit – Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe

Soccer players in yellow uniforms walk onto the field as a crowded stadium watches.

By Jamaldeen Wiayuka July 7, 2026

Former Ghana Football Association president Dr Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe has called for a renewed focus on grassroots football after the Black Stars’ World Cup campaign ended in a 1-0 defeat by Colombia.

Ghana were knocked out in the Round of 32, despite reaching the knockout stages of the tournament for the first time since 2010.

Speaking to Graphic Sports, Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe said the country could not expect to return to the top level of African football without a long-term plan to identify, train and develop young players.

“If we want to achieve anything in football, we must plan and organise from the grassroots,” he said. “We must identify and develop more local talent.”

The Hearts of Oak board member said Ghana had lost ground to countries that had invested consistently in youth development and football infrastructure.

He highlighted Morocco as an example Ghana should study, saying the North African side’s recent progress had been built over many years through organised talent development.

“We must adopt the Moroccan strategy,” he said, adding that many of the teams performing strongly at the World Cup had young squads shaped by deliberate planning.

Morocco have emerged as one of Africa’s leading football nations in recent years, with their development system producing players capable of competing at club and international level.

Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe also said Ghana needed to rediscover the identity that once made the Black Stars one of the continent’s most feared teams.

“Our style of football has disappeared, and it must be brought back,” he said. “We must be aggressive.”

Ghana are four-time African champions, but their recent performances have prompted renewed debate about the direction of the national team and the wider domestic game.

The Black Stars will now begin preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, with calls growing for football authorities to place youth development at the centre of their plans.