Herbert Mensah demands accountability from Black Stars leadership ahead of World Cup

Former Asante Kotoko Board Chairman and current President of Rugby Africa, Herbert Mensah, has issued a strong call for greater accountability from the handlers of the Black Stars as Ghana prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Speaking to Luv FM, Mensah stressed that administrators of the national team, including Ghana Football Association President Kurt Okraku and his team, are public servants who must answer to the Ghanaian people.

"I've always said there are public servants there to serve. They don't work for Kurt and his team—they work for us, for the taxpayer," Mensah stated. "When they make decisions, they must live by those decisions and die by them."

He urged the management team to have a clear plan covering preparation, psychological readiness, and leadership within the squad. Mensah warned that the Black Stars will be watched closely by millions of Ghanaians, who will act as "coaches, referees, and observers".

"If the Black Stars do well, we will celebrate it and we'll congratulate Kurt Okraku and his team. But if they don't... then we must continue supporting the Black Stars, but the custodians of the national team should fall on their sword," he declared.

Mensah acknowledged Ghana's proud football pedigree, insisting the nation deserves consistent success. He described the team's failure to progress at the recent Africa Cup of Nations as "unfortunate", while noting that World Cup qualification offers some hope.

"Our failure to get through to AFCON was unfortunate. The fact that we've gone to the World Cup says maybe we were looking bigger in different things," he added.

With the tournament fast approaching, Mensah's comments place added scrutiny on the GFA and Black Stars management to deliver a performance that meets the nation's expectations.