The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is a private, limited liability company registered under the Companies Act and an Association under FIFA Statutes. Following Ghana's 2-4 loss to Gambia, many Ghanaians have called for the sacking of GFA President Kurt Okraku. However, according to Prof. E.K. Wallace, the government cannot unilaterally sack the GFA President due to FIFA's regulations. FIFA Statutes Article 14(1)(i) and Article 19 emphasize the independence of member associations, prohibiting third-party interference.
The GFA Statutes 2019 (Article 4 & 33) state that the GFA President can only be elected and removed by the GFA Congress, comprising 124 delegates. This means that the Sports Minister, the President of Ghana, and Parliament do not have the authority to remove the GFA President. The Ghana Sports Act 2016 (Act 934) Section 2-3 also respects the autonomy of football under FIFA rules, while Section 15 allows for regulation by the National Sports Authority (NSA).
If the government attempts to sack the GFA President, FIFA will likely ban Ghana, as seen in 2018 after the Number 12 exposé. In that instance, the government dissolved the GFA, and FIFA deemed it "government interference," leading to a suspension until the Normalisation Committee was established. Prof. Wallace emphasizes that the law allows for three ways to remove a GFA President: through a vote of no confidence by 2/3 of Congress, through the GFA Ethics Committee/Court for corruption or mismanagement, or through election.
The GFA Congress, composed of Premier League clubs, Division One, Women's League, Referees, Coaches, and others, has the power to pass a vote of no confidence. However, this process is not influenced by fans or the government. Additionally, the GFA Ethics Committee/Court can sanction the President if found guilty of corruption or mismanagement, but due process must be followed.
Prof. Wallace suggests that the government can still play a role in regulating and funding football, but it cannot appoint or sack officials. The government can use its power to demand accountability for public funds spent on the Black Stars, as stated in Act 934 Section 10. The Sports Ministry can also refer GFA to the Parliamentary Committee on Youth and Sports for inquiry.
The government can engage with Congress members, who are club owners and voters in GFA Congress, to push for reforms. Furthermore, the government can strengthen juvenile and colts football by investing in grassroots programs, which can pressure the GFA. Prof. Wallace encourages Ghanaians to demand change through the proper channels, such as pressuring clubs and delegates, rather than asking the government to intervene in a way that could lead to a FIFA ban.
Ultimately, Prof. Wallace emphasizes that the law governing football in Ghana is clear: the government cannot sack the GFA President, but it can regulate, fund, and audit. He urges Ghanaians to understand the implications of government interference and to seek change through democratic means, such as voting in 2027. By doing so, Ghanaians can ensure that their voices are heard without risking a ban from FIFA.
Key points
- The Ghana government cannot unilaterally sack the GFA President due to FIFA regulations.
- The GFA President can be removed through a vote of no confidence by 2/3 of Congress, through the GFA Ethics Committee/Court, or through election.
- The government can regulate, fund, and audit football in Ghana, but it cannot appoint or sack officials.
