Omanghana
Former National Sports Authority official Seth Panwum has criticised the decision to send Ghana’s Under-17 national football team, the Black Starlets, to Burkina Faso by road, raising concerns about the welfare of the young players.
The reported 960-kilometre journey has attracted scrutiny following Ghana’s 2–1 defeat to Burkina Faso, which ended the team’s hopes of qualifying for the Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations.
Panwum questioned why the squad undertook such a lengthy road trip instead of travelling by air, arguing that arrangements for national teams should prioritise players’ safety and preparation.
The criticism centres on the physical demands of the journey and the potential effect of travel fatigue on teenage footballers preparing for a competitive fixture. Concerns have also been raised about the risks associated with transporting the players and technical staff over such a long distance.
However, the extent to which the journey affected the team’s performance has not been established.
Panwum’s remarks come amid broader criticism of the management of Ghanaian football, following setbacks involving the Black Starlets, the Under-20 Black Satellites and the senior national team.
He has previously demanded greater accountability from football administrators and called for the resignation of Ghana Football Association President Kurt Okraku, insisting that Ghanaian football “deserves better”.
Panwum maintained that national teams represent the people of Ghana and that those entrusted with managing them must answer for decisions affecting their welfare and competitiveness.
Source: Omanghana
