Football is more than just a game in Ghana-it’s a passion, a way of life, and for some, a battlefield where unseen forces determine victory and defeat.
While tactics, talent, and training shape the modern game, whispers of supernatural influences-known locally as ‘juju’-continue to haunt the sport.
The belief in spiritual powers affecting football is nothing new in Ghana. From fans to players and even club officials, many believe that mystical forces play a role in determining match outcomes.
Whether it’s luck, divine intervention, or something more sinister, superstitions remain deeply rooted in the game, sometimes overshadowing skill and strategy.
A Top Official Speaks Out
Wilson Arthur, chairman of the Ghana FA Cup committee, made headlines recently when he openly admitted that clubs in the country still rely on supernatural means to gain an advantage.
According to him, players, coaches, and even referees are often targeted with spiritual manipulation before matches.
“The league is highly competitive, and people will do anything to win. ‘Ways and means’ have always been part of football.
Referees are put under spells, players are worked on spiritually, and coaches are influenced,” Arthur said in an interview with Asempa FM.
Sharing a personal experience, he recalled being asked to leave his seat during a match because his team had allegedly been placed under a spell.
The moment he stepped away, his team scored. Though he remains skeptical, he admitted that strange things happen in football that defy logical explanation.
Players and Their Rituals
Beyond club strategies, many players are known to seek traditional healers or spiritualists for help before big matches.
Some wear charms believed to protect them from injuries, while others follow strict pre-game rituals to attract good fortune.
Stories of footballers using black magic to gain an edge have circulated for decades, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the sport.
Should the Ghana FA Step In?
With football evolving into a billion-dollar industry driven by professionalism, sponsorships, and technology, the continued presence of superstition raises concerns.
While some see it as harmless tradition, others believe it undermines the integrity of the game.
As Ghanaian football moves forward, the question remains: Should the Ghana Football Association take stronger measures to eliminate the influence of ‘juju’ from the sport, or is it simply an unshakable part of the football culture?
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