Former Black Stars player Emmanuel Agyemang Badu has called on Ghanaians to exercise patience and rally behind the Ghana Football Association (GFA) despite recent challenges.
Speaking to Citi Sports during the 49th SWAG Awards, Badu stressed the importance of unity and faith in the GFA’s vision, emphasizing that Ghana’s participation in the upcoming World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada is non-negotiable.
“Where I am sitting, we need to support the FA, respect the FA, and understand where they are coming from. It is rather unfortunate that the year has been unfavorable for us as we were unable to go to the CHAN and the AFCON as well. In the World Cup race, we are in, and we can’t afford not to go to the World Cup. So, whatever they think is best for the nation, we will support them,” he declared.

Badu acknowledged the struggles of Ghanaian teams under the GFA’s jurisdiction but expressed confidence in a turnaround.
He urged fans and stakeholders to remain steadfast in their support, trusting that the FA’s decisions will yield positive results in the long run.

Touching on the newly appointed Minister of Youth and Sports, Kofi Iddie Adams, Badu advised Ghanaians to give him time to outline his plans and foster collaboration with the GFA.
He believes teamwork between the ministry and the GFA is crucial for achieving success.
“As for the minister, it’s too early for him. We have to see his plans also so they will collaborate with the FA and bring the best for the nation. We will be there to support him,” he added.
Badu’s remarks highlight the need for collective effort in addressing Ghana football’s challenges and ensuring the nation’s presence on the global stage.
“We can’t afford to miss out on the World Cup 2026 in the USA, Mexico & Canada, whatever the FA thinks is best for the nation, we will support them” – Emmanuel Agyemang Badu.
The Black Stars have 6points from two games against Mali🇲🇱 and the Central Africa Rep. 🇨🇫#CitiSports pic.twitter.com/uPcbUsZHGu
— Citi Sports (@CitiSportsGHA) January 26, 2025
The Black Stars of Ghana are set to face Chad and Madagascar in the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers in March.
This comes after their victories over Mali and the Central African Republic in earlier matches under current coach Otto Addo, who is facing immense pressure following Ghana’s failure to qualify for Morocco 2025.
Under Addo’s leadership, Ghana endured a six-game winless run in Group E of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, finishing bottom of a group that included Angola, Sudan, and Niger.