Ghana's Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, has called for significant reforms to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Constitution. He argues that the government must take a more active role in addressing concerns within the country's football administration. Agyei Baffour Awuah made these comments in an interview with Citi FM, citing the need for government intervention in Ghanaian football.
Agyei Baffour Awuah accused some individuals within Ghanaian football of turning the sport into a private business. He claimed that the GFA had been "hijacked" by a group he described as a "cabal". The MP questioned Ghana's reliance on Fifa regulations when discussions about reforming the GFA arise. He also raised concerns about the relationship between the GFA and the Ministry of Sports.
Fifa regulations generally require member associations to manage their affairs independently and without undue interference from third parties, including government. However, Agyei Baffour Awuah urged President John Mahama to intervene in the matter. He stated that Ghana cannot continue to fund what he described as the interests of individuals within football.
The MP suggested that government should consider changes to the structure and governance of the GFA. He argued that the state should not continue to finance the interests of individuals within football. Agyei Baffour Awuah's comments have sparked a renewed debate over the governance and financing of Ghanaian football.
GFA President Kurt Okraku has strongly rejected Agyei Baffour Awuah's comments. Okraku questioned the MP's authority to demand reforms to the association's constitution during an interview with Asempa FM. He responded angrily to the claims, saying Agyei Baffour Awuah had no locus to call for changes to the GFA Constitution.
Okraku demanded to know if the MP has an astro turf in his constituency, asking how many pitches he has constructed for his constituents to play on. The GFA President's response highlights the tension between the MP and the GFA. The exchange has raised questions about the relationship between government and the country's football governing body.
The GFA operates under its own statutes and is affiliated to Fifa and the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The debate over the governance and financing of Ghanaian football is ongoing, with stakeholders continuing to raise concerns about the administration of the sport in the country.
Key points
- Ghanaian MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah calls for GFA constitutional reforms
- Agyei Baffour Awuah accuses GFA of being a private business
- GFA President Kurt Okraku rejects MP's comments
