Rev. Osei Kofi, a key figure in Ghana’s 1963 and 1965 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumphs, has sparked conversations by linking Ghana’s 2015 AFCON runners-up finish to broken promises made to former players.
In an enlightening interview with JoySports, Rev. Kofi shed light on the impact of a small gesture by former president John Dramani Mahama to AFCON champions before the 2015 tournament in Equatorial Guinea. He expressed his belief that this symbolic act was not enough to break what he deemed a longstanding curse stemming from unmet assurances given to past victorious squads.
Despite Ghana’s commendable run to the 2015 final, where they came tantalizingly close to victory against Ivory Coast, Rev. Kofi suggested that unfulfilled promises made following Ghana’s previous AFCON successes have acted as a hindrance to future achievements.
He highlighted commitments of housing made by former leaders such as Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and Ignatius Kutu Acheampong, promises that were never fulfilled, leaving a sense of betrayal among the players.
Rev. Kofi referenced a prophetic message he heard on Asempa FM before the 2021 AFCON, warning that neglecting the needs of past winners could impact future performance. He shared a Bible verse emphasizing the importance of honoring promises made and how failing to do so may not receive divine favor.
Addressing the issue of token gestures versus promised rewards, Rev. Kofi raised questions about the significance of unfulfilled commitments and the impact they can have on the team’s performance. He suggested that the failure to honor promises of houses post-1965 had repercussions on subsequent performances.
In recounting the history of promises made to past players and the consequences of not fulfilling them, Rev. Kofi urged current leadership to consider the implications of breaking commitments. He highlighted instances where pledges were made but not kept, affecting the morale and performance of the players.
Rev. Osei Kofi’s reflections on the impact of unmet promises on Ghana’s football success offer a fresh perspective on the importance of honoring commitments and the potential repercussions of neglecting the needs of former players.
