“Forget Quick Fixes, Nii Lantey Vanderpuye Calls for Eight-Year Plan to Rebuild the Black Stars

Former Sports Minister Nii Lantey Vanderpuye has urged Ghana to set aside its immediate ambitions for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the 2030 FIFA World Cup, instead prioritising a long-term rebuild of the Black Stars spanning the next eight years.

In an interview with Sir John on Akoma 87.9 FM’s GhanAkoma programme, Vanderpuye argued that football authorities should concentrate on creating a comprehensive development plan aimed at producing a strong, competitive national team for the future rather than chasing quick results at upcoming tournaments.

“We should forget about the 2030 World Cup and the 2027 AFCON and focus on building a strong team for the next eight years,” he stated.

The former minister emphasised that any rebuilding effort must be underpinned by clear development strategies and solid structural foundations, ensuring Ghana can consistently compete at the highest level of international football. He stressed that sustainable progress requires deliberate planning rather than short-term fixes.

Vanderpuye also took aim at the current composition of the Black Stars squad, describing it as a random assortment of players assembled without sufficient continuity. He questioned the wisdom of the selection approach, noting that Ghana used more than 100 players during the World Cup qualifiers — a figure he suggested is unmatched by other nations.

His remarks underscore growing concerns about player selection and the absence of a stable core group capable of building cohesion and understanding over time. He believes a long-term rebuilding programme should establish a clear identity for the national team, rather than repeatedly rotating personnel without a sustainable plan in place.