Former Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan has voiced his concern over the declining stadium attendance in Ghanaian football, urging stakeholders to take deliberate steps to reignite interest—starting with the country’s youth.

Speaking passionately about the issue, Gyan highlighted the importance of creating a solid fanbase from the grassroots level and called for schoolchildren to be actively involved in national football events, especially during tournaments like the African Schools Football Championship.

“If you have a good foundation, that’s the best,” Gyan said. “My worry is about attendance, so anytime Ghana is playing, let’s bus all the school kids to the venue. It’s an African Cup for schools, after all.”

The legendary striker believes that introducing young people to the stadium experience not only boosts attendance but also nurtures the next generation of passionate supporters and future players.

Gyan’s comments come at a time when many local matches, including national team fixtures, are played in half-empty stadiums—an issue that continues to affect the atmosphere and growth of the sport in the country.

He emphasized that football is not just about the action on the pitch, but also the community and culture built around it. Creating exciting matchday experiences for students, he believes, can plant the seeds for lifelong support and deeper engagement.

“Let’s be intentional,” Gyan added. “We need to get people back into the stadiums. The kids are the future—let’s start with them.”

Gyan’s call is a timely reminder for Ghanaian football authorities to rethink fan engagement strategies, especially with the increasing global competition for attention and entertainment.