Why, with such an abundance of talent at home and across its diaspora, do Ghana’s Black Stars fall short on football’s biggest stages?
The Black Stars is a six-part documentary podcast that asks this question, diving deep into the history, struggles and occasional glories of Ghana’s national football team. From the highs of its 1960s African Cup of Nations triumphs and the nation’s unforgettable first World Cup in 2006, to the crushing lows of political interference, corruption, mismanagement and near-misses on the world stage, the series lays bare the contradictions at the heart of Ghanaian football.
It explores the powerful forces that have shaped the Black Stars: golden generations that slipped away, the uneasy pull between Ghana and its diaspora stars, the global academies and scouts who profit from raw talent, and the scandals and tragedies – like the 2001 Accra Stadium disaster – that scarred the game at home.
Told through the voices of players, presidents, coaches, scouts, journalists and fans, this is the story of football as Ghana’s greatest source of pride and its most painful heartbreak. A tale of brilliance and squandered promise, of unity and betrayal – and of a nation still striving for the ultimate redemption on football’s biggest stage.
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Why, with such an abundance of talent at home and across its diaspora, do Ghana’s Black Stars fall short on football’s biggest stages?
The Black Stars is a six-part documentary podcast that asks this question, diving deep into the history, struggles and occasional glories of Ghana’s national football team. From the highs of its 1960s African Cup of Nations triumphs and the nation’s unforgettable first World Cup in 2006, to the crushing lows of political interference, corruption, mismanagement and near-misses on the world stage, the series lays bare the contradictions at the heart of Ghanaian football.
It explores the powerful forces that have shaped the Black Stars: golden generations that slipped away, the uneasy pull between Ghana and its diaspora stars, the global academies and scouts who profit from raw talent, and the scandals and tragedies – like the 2001 Accra Stadium disaster – that scarred the game at home.
Told through the voices of players, presidents, coaches, scouts, journalists and fans, this is the story of football as Ghana’s greatest source of pride and its most painful heartbreak. A tale of brilliance and squandered promise, of unity and betrayal – and of a nation still striving for the ultimate redemption on football’s biggest stage.
Episode 6: What Will It Take for the Black Stars to Rise Again?
The Black Stars Podcast
53 minutes
1 month ago
Episode 6: What Will It Take for the Black Stars to Rise Again?
From Divicage Productions, in association with GOAL, comes the final episode in our six-part documentary series The Black Stars Podcast.
In "What Will It Take for the Black Stars to Rise Again?", we take a comprehensive look at the systemic issues plaguing Ghanaian football. From the fallout of the 2018 corruption scandal exposed to the challenges of developing a sustainable domestic league, the episode explores why Ghana’s immense talent has not translated into consistent international success. It assesses the impact of globalisation, economic disparity and weak football structures, highlighting how these factors hinder the Black Stars’ ability to compete at the highest level.
Through expert analysis and personal accounts, the episode emphasises the urgent need for better management, investment in grassroots development and a clear national footballing philosophy to unlock Ghana’s full potential. Ultimately, it questions whether the Black Stars can ever rise again in the face of such entrenched challenges.
Featuring:Gary Al-Smith - Ghanaian sports broadcaster
Henry Twum Asante - GFA spokesperson
Rory O’Ferrall - Head of Africa Department at Berlin Sports-Bridge for Talents
Dr. Erlend Berg - Development economist
Dr Gérard Akindes - Sports management expert
Delali Adiamah - Managing Director of Hearts of Oak
Karen Palmer - Author and journalist
Nii Odartey Lamptey - Former Ghanaian football prodigy
Sammy Kuffour - Former Black Stars defender
Stephen Appiah - Former Black Stars captain
John Kufour - Former President of Ghana
Professor Peter Alegi - Professor, Michigan State University
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The Black Stars Podcast
Why, with such an abundance of talent at home and across its diaspora, do Ghana’s Black Stars fall short on football’s biggest stages?
The Black Stars is a six-part documentary podcast that asks this question, diving deep into the history, struggles and occasional glories of Ghana’s national football team. From the highs of its 1960s African Cup of Nations triumphs and the nation’s unforgettable first World Cup in 2006, to the crushing lows of political interference, corruption, mismanagement and near-misses on the world stage, the series lays bare the contradictions at the heart of Ghanaian football.
It explores the powerful forces that have shaped the Black Stars: golden generations that slipped away, the uneasy pull between Ghana and its diaspora stars, the global academies and scouts who profit from raw talent, and the scandals and tragedies – like the 2001 Accra Stadium disaster – that scarred the game at home.
Told through the voices of players, presidents, coaches, scouts, journalists and fans, this is the story of football as Ghana’s greatest source of pride and its most painful heartbreak. A tale of brilliance and squandered promise, of unity and betrayal – and of a nation still striving for the ultimate redemption on football’s biggest stage.
