Ghanaian actor and radio personality Mikki Osei Berko, famously known as Master Richard, has voiced his concerns over the decline of football in Ghana.
In a reflection, he highlighted the nation’s inability to qualify for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and its repeated failures to make significant strides in the competition over the years.
“Ghanaian football is losing its soul,” Master Richard said during a recent interview. “Our glory days are far behind us, and unless we go back to the basics, our dreams of lifting another trophy will remain just that—dreams.”
Known for his iconic comedic roles and engaging radio presence, Master Richard revealed a lesser-known side of his life—a personal connection to football.
He reminisced about his early days as a promising defender with aspirations of reaching the top of the sport. Unfortunately, his journey was cut short by a career-ending injury, which forced him to pivot to acting and broadcasting.
“I could have made it as a footballer,” he shared. “I had the skill, the determination, and the love for the game. But life had other plans for me. It’s bittersweet because I see where our football is now, and I wonder what could have been.”
Despite his own career detour, Master Richard fondly remembered some of his contemporaries who rose to prominence. Among them was Ibrahim Tanko, a former Ghanaian footballer who carved out an impressive career for himself on the international stage.
“Tanko was one of us back in the day,” he recalled. “Seeing his success was inspiring, but it also shows what’s possible when the right structures are in place.”
Turning his focus to Ghana’s current football challenges, Master Richard lamented the country’s prolonged trophy drought, which has stretched for over four decades. “It’s not just about the players on the pitch,” he noted.
“Our entire system needs an overhaul—from grassroots development to coaching and even management. We can’t expect different results if we keep doing the same thing.”
For Master Richard, the decline in Ghanaian football is not just a sporting issue but a cultural one. He emphasized the role football once played in uniting the nation and fostering pride.
“Football was more than a game for us. It was our identity, our joy. Losing that is like losing a piece of who we are,” he said with a tinge of nostalgia.
As the nation reflects on its recent failures in football, Master Richard’s words serve as a call to action.
“We need to go back to the fundamentals,” he urged. “Invest in our youth, support our local leagues, and prioritize the development of homegrown talent. Without these steps, we’ll keep watching others lift the trophies we once dreamed of.”
