Legendary Ghanaian striker Asamoah Gyan
February 2024 will hold an important place in the history of Ghanaian sports, particularly football, due to the occurrence of two events of seismic and profound proportions.
The month will be remembered as the time when, for the first time in the history of Ghanaian football, more than 3000 Ghanaians took to the streets demanding reform and restructuring of Ghanaian football.
It will also be remembered as the month when one of Ghana’s top soccer stars officially transitioned from sports personality to politician, playing a leading role in a bid for a candidate from one of the two major parties for president.
The appointment of Asamoah Gyan to Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s manifesto committee is refreshing news for the sports industry, but there are also some downsides that need to be explored.
In this article, GhanaWeb examines the pros and cons of the announcement made on Wednesday, February 21, 2024.
ADVANTAGES
A landmark achievement for the sports sector
An accusation often leveled against Ghana’s most successful footballers is their apparent indifference to matters relating to the governance of the country. From Azumah Nelson to Gyan, there is little or no evidence to suggest that Ghanaian sports personalities have assumed prominent roles in politics and governance architecture. This is one of the reasons why Gyan’s date is quite interesting.
Gyan enters politics as one of the nation’s most popular and influential personalities who has the brains and power to influence people from all walks of life. Having someone of his stature in the political arena is good for the industry as he could shape policies and plans for sports.
Gyan’s entry is expected to mark the beginning of sports stars taking on leading political roles.
Gyan’s potential impact on Bawumia’s bid
Asamoah Gyan will without doubt enter the top three of the most popular and powerful Ghanaian football stars.
Asamoah Gyan is adored by some Ghanaians and his presence in Bawumia’s team may sway some votes for the current vice president of Ghana.
Also, Gyan is known to be a man of wealth and therefore will not mind contributing financially to Bawumia’s campaign.
A clear path to a political career
Asamoah Gyan’s role could more or less be described as shadow sports minister, meaning that if Bawumia wins the election, Gyan could be confirmed as a sector minister to help execute the policies outlined in the manifesto he helped to be drawn up.
Gyan has made no secret of his love for political office and the need for change in Ghana’s sports administration and a win for Bawumia will help him take a position where he can make a difference and realize his political dreams.
PLUS
Political attacks
The seedy nature of Ghana’s political landscape means Asamoah Gyan will be under some attack. As evidenced already in a social media post by an Ashanti Regional executive of the NDC, Onassis Kobi, Gyan’s reputation, credibility and piety will be under constant attack.
Gyan has not always shown the greatest tolerance when attacked and this could be against not only him but the entire Bawumia campaign.
Unfortunately for him, he has some “baggage” that opponents can easily bring up to upset him.
Synchronization
The timing of Asamoah Gyan’s confirmation of his political stance is interesting as it comes at a time when the New Patriotic Party, according to polls by reliable institutions, appears to be heading for the exit.
According to these reports, including this one by Global InfoAnalytics, the NPP is likely to lose the December 7 election, which will mean that Gyan’s goal of running for political office could be delayed for at least four years.
The uncertainty surrounding the election does not make for a good move by Asamoah Gyan as his businesses and person could suffer some damage should the outcome not favor Bawumia.
c/o