Ghana’s Black Stars have long been a symbol of national pride, reflecting the country’s fortunes in major tournaments over the years. The team’s performances in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and FIFA World Cup have often mirrored the political landscape of Ghana, particularly during the tenures of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
During the NDC era from 1992 to 2000, under the leadership of late former President Jerry John Rawlings, the Black Stars experienced highs and lows in the AFCON. Their notable performance in 1992 saw them reach the final but fall short to Ivory Coast on penalties. However, subsequent tournaments saw a decline, with the team failing to progress past the quarterfinals.
The NPP era from 2000 to 2008 started on a disappointing note for the Black Stars in the AFCON, finishing 8th in 2000 and 7th in 2002. The team even failed to qualify for the 2004 tournament, a first since 1990. However, there was a glimmer of hope in 2008 when Ghana co-hosted the tournament and secured a third-place finish, indicating a potential resurgence.
In the FIFA World Cup, under President John Agyekum Kufuor, the Black Stars qualified for their first-ever World Cup in 2006 in Germany. They impressed by reaching the Round of 16 before bowing out to Brazil.
The NDC era from 2009 to 2016, under Presidents John Evans Atta Mills and John Dramani Mahama, marked a return to prominence for the Black Stars in the AFCON. They were runners-up in 2010, finished fourth in 2012 and 2013, and were finalists in 2015, narrowly losing to Ivory Coast on penalties. The 2010 World Cup in South Africa was also a historic moment as Ghana reached the quarterfinals, narrowly missing a semifinal berth.
In contrast, the NPP era from 2017 to 2024 has seen lacklustre performances by the Black Stars in the AFCON, with finishes of fourth place in 2017, Round of 16 in 2019, and group stage exits in 2021 and 2023. The shocking failure to qualify for the 2025 tournament highlighted the team’s struggles under the NPP.
Overall, the NDC era showcased moments of brilliance and success, particularly in the 2010 World Cup and consistent AFCON performances between 2009 and 2016. In comparison, the recent NPP tenure has been marked by declines and disappointments, raising questions about the team’s future trajectory. The intertwined relationship between politics and football in Ghana continues to shape the fortunes of the Black Stars, serving as a barometer of national pride and performance on the global stage.
