Ghanaian lawmaker Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah has intensified his criticism of Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kurt Okraku, stating that the country's football has "collapsed" during his tenure. In an interview with LUV FM, Baffour Awuah emphasized the need for urgent action to reverse the sport's decline, warning that government intervention may be necessary if the situation does not improve. He stressed that football is a vital part of Ghanaian passion and culture.
Baffour Awuah used the analogy of a drying river to describe the problems at grassroots level that have contributed to the wider struggles of Ghanaian football. He argued that the country's youth teams, including the U17, U20, and U23 squads, are not performing well, and the domestic league is also struggling. The lawmaker asserted that the quality of football in Ghana is poor and that Okraku's leadership has led to the collapse of the sport.
The public disagreement between Baffour Awuah and Okraku began when the MP urged President John Mahama to reform Ghanaian football, alleging that the GFA had been taken over by a "cabal". Okraku responded by questioning Baffour Awuah's expertise on football administration and asking how many football pitches he had built in his Manhyia South constituency. Baffour Awuah countered that his constituency already has three AstroTurfs.
The debate between the two has shifted focus towards the broader challenges facing Ghanaian football, rather than personal attacks. Baffour Awuah's comments have sparked a national conversation about the state of the sport and the need for reform. The GFA and the government have not yet responded to the lawmaker's allegations.
The Black Stars, Ghana's national team, have had a disappointing start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. They suffered a 2-0 defeat away to Côte d'Ivoire in Bouaké, with Malick Yalcouyé and Franck Kessié scoring for the hosts. The result leaves Ghana without a point after their opening Group C fixture.
The Black Stars will aim to secure their first points when they host Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on 29 September. The team's performance will be closely watched, as it may have implications for the future of Ghanaian football and the leadership of the GFA. The pressure is mounting on Okraku and the GFA to address the country's football woes.
The criticism of Okraku's leadership and the decline of Ghanaian football has raised concerns about the future of the sport in the country. The GFA and the government will need to take concrete steps to address the issues and restore the country's football to its former glory. The debate is expected to continue in the coming weeks and months.
Key points
- Ghanaian MP Nana Baffour Awuah criticizes GFA president Kurt Okraku for the decline in football
- The Black Stars have had a disappointing start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign
- The debate between Baffour Awuah and Okraku has sparked a national conversation about the state of Ghanaian football
