Sports Minister Kofi Adams has stated that the Ghanaian government does not have the authority to dissolve the Ghana Football Association (GFA), despite growing pressure following the country's poor start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign. Ghana lost their opening two Group C matches, suffering a 2-0 defeat to Côte d'Ivoire and a 4-2 home loss to The Gambia. These results have intensified calls for changes to the administration of football in Ghana.
According to Minister Adams, the GFA is a legally registered association and therefore cannot be dissolved by the government. He explained that as a private company registered to exist in perpetuity, the GFA has not committed any crime against the administrative right, and thus, the government cannot intervene. The Buem MP made these comments in an interview with Joy FM, emphasizing that the government's role is limited in this regard.
While ruling out dissolving the GFA, Minister Adams stressed that the government has a legitimate interest in football, as the national teams managed by the association represent Ghana and receive state support. He pointed to FIFA regulations governing the relationship between football associations and their respective governments, which create space for the government to have a certain relationship with the GFA.
Minister Adams further explained that the government's focus is on ensuring that existing accountability and oversight mechanisms within Ghana football are allowed to operate. He emphasized that the public interest committee should work effectively, and the government cannot dissolve the GFA because it is a registered entity that pays taxes to the appropriate authorities.
However, Minister Adams warned that the situation could change if officials of the GFA were found to have committed criminal offenses. If proven, the necessary rules would apply, and action would be taken. His comments come as pressure continues to build around the GFA following the Black Stars' disappointing results in the opening matches of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
The Sports and Recreation Minister's statement comes amid mounting calls for major changes to the management of Ghana football. The Ghana Football Association's leadership has faced criticism for the national team's poor performance, with some sections of the public and political class demanding the GFA's dissolution or significant reforms.
The government's role in Ghana football is expected to continue, with Minister Adams emphasizing that the focus is on ensuring accountability and oversight mechanisms work effectively. The GFA's status as a registered entity and FIFA regulations will likely continue to shape the government's relationship with the association.
Key points
- The Ghanaian government cannot dissolve the GFA due to its registered status.
- Minister Adams emphasized the government's legitimate interest in football and its role in ensuring accountability.
- The GFA's leadership faces pressure amid the national team's poor performance in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
