During the visit, Okraku updated the traditional leader on the GFA’s recent activities in the Brong Ahafo region, such as the “Meet The Press” series and various stakeholder engagements.
Okraku also expressed his appreciation to Dormaahene, who is the owner of Aduana FC, for his continuous support of the GFA and the sport as a whole, commending the chief for his investments in football and their positive impact on the local community.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank our revered Dormaahene Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II for his personal support to me and football in general,” Okraku said.
“He has done an excellent job in positioning Aduana FC as a powerhouse in Ghanaian football. We appreciate his continuous investment in the game, which has provided a livelihood for hundreds of families.”
In response, Dormaahene Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II commended Okraku’s leadership and the GFA’s progress since 2019. He praised the association for the swift resolution of football disputes.
“I want to thank you for the visit. You have introduced many innovations to the administration of our game, and I am confident that we will see the results in due course,” Dormaahene said.
“I have noticed the speed with which judicial decisions are now made. The era of delayed judgments is over, and that is very welcome.”
The traditional ruler urged the GFA to maintain fairness and impartiality in its dealings and assured the association of his continued support.
Okraku was accompanied by several football officials, including Brong Ahafo Regional Football Association Chairman Dr. Charles Osei Anto and AduanaFC General Manager Takyi Arhin.
Forson, known for her outspoken views, asserts that the challenges plaguing Ghana’s football scene are not isolated incidents but reflect a persistent issue.
In her commentary, Forson draws parallels between the longstanding economic challenges in the country and the issues surrounding football.
According to her, just as economic problems have endured, football-related concerns have been prevalent for years.
Delving into her own experience, Forson recounted a past stint as a professional football player, revealing that the promised bonuses by the GFA were never delivered.
She expressed her disappointment, asserting, “The sad thing about our football is that like everything in this country, the problems didn’t start today. I remember playing pro football once ( long long story don’t ask,those who know know) and never getting the bonuses they promised. The way e pain me till date.”
Forson’s remarks shed light on the deep-rooted issues within Ghanaian football, emphasising that the challenges faced by the current national team are not new but part of a historical pattern.
As debates over the GFA’s role and the performance of the Black Stars continue, Forson’s perspective adds a nuanced dimension to the ongoing discourse surrounding Ghanaian football.
Hundreds of Ghanaian football fans embarked on a demonstration to express their displeasure over the decline in the achievements of the national teams.
The protestors, who started their march at the Obra Spot, seeked reforms towards reviving the game, which is the passion of the nation.
A group of sports journalists are the organisers.
The “Save Ghana Football Demo”, as it is dubbed, was triggered by the poor performance of the senior national team, the Black Stars, at the just-ended 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Some of the protestors carried placards with inscriptions: “Decline in our juvenile football- Sika Di Basabasa,” “Lack of Vision,” Our Domestic League has collapsed”, among others
There is heavy security accompanying demonstrators as they walk through the principal streets of Accra to present a proposal of football reforms to the Sports Authorities.
During an interview on Starr Chat with Bola Ray, Mr. Nyantakyi clarified that he had no prior association with Kennedy Agyapong.
“I was disturbed by the negative publicity but I was unperturbed about the truth or otherwise of the matter. I was sure that one day people will get to know the truth.
“That is why I have developed a certain respect and love for people like the Honourable Ken Agyapong. He seemed to be the only person who stood up for me publicly and the Right Honourable Speaker. But you know the interesting thing: I had never met Kennedy Agyapong, neither had I spoken to him,” Mr. Nyantakyi narrated.
He continued: “Some people may have thought that I went to place a plea before him to come to my aid. Apart from seeing the honourable Kenned Agyapong on TV and then listening to him on the radio. I never had a personal encounter with him. Mr. Speaker, I knew him long ago as my senior but I hadn’t met him for more than two decades.
“But in the course of his work, he encountered FIFA officials and got to know certain insights into the matter. So he made some public statements.”
“Some people are so gullible when they hear stories in the media that they don’t bother to investigate. They just accept it hook, line and sinker,” he added.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced the successful conclusion of the FIFA Central Review for the accounting period spanning from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022.
This marks the fourth consecutive positive review for the GFA under the leadership of Kurt Okraku, who assumed office in 2019.
The successful FIFA Audit is crucial for the Association’s developmental plans, as a failure to pass the audit would lead to repercussions from FIFA, including the withholding of project funds, programs, and FIFA Forward allocations.
PwC conducted this year’s FIFA Central Review. It should be noted that the GFA also underwent a Statutory Audit, as required by Ghanaian law, FIFA regulations, and the GFA Statutes.
The international audit firm BakerTilly Andah + Andah completed the audit for the period from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022, in December 2022.
The audit report has been submitted to FIFA and forms part of the documentation for the GFA Congress.
The completion of the Statutory Audit by BakerTilly Andah + Andah fulfills the requirements outlined in Article 67 of the GFA Statutes, which pertains to Independent and External Auditors.
“The independent and external auditors appointed by the Congress shall audit on a yearly basis the management accounts of the GFA in accordance with the appropriate principles of accounting and present a report to Congress”.
In line with the GFA accounting year, at the end of June 2023, the GFA Accounts for the period July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, will be prepared and the statutory audit conducted with a copy going to FIFA on or before December 31, 2023.
Former Vice President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), George Afriyie,has officially announced his candidacy for the upcoming 2023 presidential elections of the local football governing body.
This declaration by Afriyie, which took place on Sunday, signals a noteworthy development in the forthcoming elections.
“We need to move on from repetitive mistakes towards a more practical approach to solving problems. In these challenging times, I come in as a beacon of hope believing in the immense potential of Ghana Football to rise above adversities,” he said.
“I offer a vision for a future where our national teams will continuously compete at the highest level.
Our local clubs and the league will thrive and our young talents are given the equal opportunities they deserve.”
Having previously served as Vice President from 2015 to 2018, Afriyie is no stranger to the intricacies of Ghanaian football administration.
His decision to contest for the GFA presidency comes after his defeat to the current president, Kurt Okraku, in the 2019 elections.
Now, with renewed determination, Afriyie is ready to present his vision for the future of Ghanaian football.
This year’s elections for the GFA presidency are expected to be closely contested, with multiple candidates vying for the position.
Alphonso Davies, a defender for Bayern Munich, claims that theGhana Football Association (GFA) contacted him about playing for Ghana but that it was too late.
The left-back, who was born in Ghana to Liberian parents, was qualified to represent both Ghana and Liberia, but chose to represent Canada after earning Canadian citizenship in June 2017.
Despite playing football for a while, Davies said he was never considered because he ‘wasn’t a big name’ and it took a big transfer move for Ghana to act.
According to him, there was an attempt from the Ghana FA to play for the national team at some point but the timing of the approach was too late for him to reconsider his decision with the contact coming on Instagram.
“Ghana never reached out and also my mum was like, no [to the idea of me playing for Ghana],” he said when quizzed whether was an option to play for the country of his birth.
“I was playing like not even like the academy they never like said [anything about wanting me] I wasn’t a big name. When the news came out that I was going to Bayern, then I got a message from the Ghana federation.
Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies reveals an official from the GFA texted him via Instagram to play for Ghana after his move to Bayern was confirmed.
“I think it was someone on the federation he texted me on Instagram because he didn’t have my number or email. But it was too late, at that time I had already got my citizenship and already made it to [represent] Canada.”
Davies made his first debut for the Canadian national team in June 2017 becoming the youngest player to play for the senior team.
The 22-year-old has 13 goals in 39 appearances for Canada since making his debut.
Kenpong Academy FC, has been banned by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) from using the Swedru Stadium as its home venue with immediate effect.
This decision has become necessary due to the unfortunate incidents that occurred during Matchday 23 between Kenpong FC and New Edubiase FC played on April 17, 2023.
The decision is in accordance with Article 14(2) of the GFA Division One League Regulations which states inter alia “the GFA may order the closure of any league centre where the safety of clubs, Match Officials or Spectators cannot be guaranteed.”
The Competitions Department is therefore advised to determine the venue for the Club’s subsequent home matches in accordance with the Division One League Regulations.
This order is however is without prejudice to the determination of the case pending before the Disciplinary Committee who have been charged to hear the case in accordance with the relevant Regulations.
At a press conference the Ghana Football Association held to formally unveil him, this was confirmed.
According to the FA, Chris Hughton’s contract is in effect until December 2024, at which point the FA and the Sports Ministry will decide whether to extend it or let him go.
Chris Hughton revealed that in his capacity as the Black Stars’ head coach, he will closely monitor the Ghana Premier League and choose a few players who merit inclusion in his squad.
“As head coach, I’ll be paying attention to the game here because it’s important that the local league is doing well and I will try and see asmuch local football as possible”
Before the President Cup match between Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko on March 5, 2023, the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) chairman Kudjoe Fianoo has announced that his organisation will pay tribute to Christian Atsu.
On February 6, 2023, an earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria claimed the life of Christian Atsu.
Twelve days passed while Atsu was missing before his body was discovered in the wreckage.
The deceased midfielder’s mortal remains were transported to Ghana on a Turkish Airlines flight on Sunday and have since been deposited at the 37 Military Hospital.
The former Ashantigold SC Chief Executive Officer hinted that Atsu would be honoured by GHALCA during the President Cup in an interview with Happy FM.
“We are all saddened by the demise of Atsu, however, if things go as expected, we will organise a curtain-raiser game for him before the President Cup,” he said.
The family of late football star Christian Atsu met with representatives from the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Sports Ministry to discuss the funeral rites for theBlack Stars player who died in the Turkey-Syria earthquake on February 6, 2023.
On Saturday, March 4, 2023, Atsu’s death will be observed for a week at his Accra-area home of origin. After lengthy discussions between the family, GFA, and Sports Ministry, the choice was made.
The GFA and the sports ministry representatives joined Evans Bobie, the deputy minister of sports, in sending condolences to Atsu’s family.
The 31-year-old footballer’s remains were taken to Ghana on February 19, 2023, from Turkey, where he died in a 7.8-magnitude earthquake that caused devastation and casualties.
Atsu’s lifeless body was recovered from the wreckage in Turkey after an 11-story building collapsed on him and others.
The late footballer had a successful career both with the national team and at club level. He played for several clubs, including Chelsea, FC Porto, Everton, and Newcastle United.
The football community, including the GFA and the Sports Ministry, have expressed their condolences to Atsu’s family and loved ones and have promised to support them in any way possible duringthis difficult time.
The Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Hon. Evans Opoku stated emphatically that there was no promise to the GFA from the government that it will pay $10,000 to anyone.
“Some people at the GFA try to play mafia tactics and also influence some sports journalists to spread false news when it comes to financing our national teams.
“Anyone who has proof or evidence that the government promised the said amount should come out with it so the ministry will be ashamed,” he stated.
The deputy minister said the GFA presents every tournament with a budget proposal, and the Ministry of Sports will then engage with the Ministry of Finance to discuss the amount they can pay before the Sports Ministry can approve it for the GFA.
The fact is that the GFA proposes $6,000 for the players but not $10,000, and then they propose $10,000 for the coach. “Their reasoning is that any amount they propose for the players, the coach must get double. So this was the budgeted amount they submitted for us, and Hon. Mustapha told them that we’d give it to the ministry of finance for approval.”
“And the $6,000 they propose was a qualification bonus for two matches, and the $10,000 was for the coach, Mr. Annor Walker. In the GFA own statement they submitted to the ministry of sports was that if Ghana win in any of the two matches every player should get $3,000 so in total if they win the two matches for qualification it will sum up to the $6,000,” he emphasised.
— Ghana Football Association (@ghanafaofficial) January 19, 2023
Gladson Awako suffered the injury during the encounter between Ghana and Madagascar last Sunday.
He will be rooting for his teammates from the stands in hopes that Ghana beats Sudan today to secure qualification to the knockout stage of the 2022 CHAN tournament ongoing in Algeria.
Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Henry Asante Twum is defiant about the Black Stars chances ahead of the Portugal clash.
The Black Stars who are returning to the global showpiece after missing out in Russia 2018 has been housed in Group H against Portugal, Uruguay and South Korea.
On Thursday, Ghana will open their campaign with a clash against former European champions Portugal before taking on South Korea and Uruguay in subsequent games.
Giving update ahead of the Portugal encounter, the Ghana FA spokesman expressed that the Black Stars has got competent players enough to match their Portuguese counterparts.
“People keep talking about Portugal but one simple I give them is that, they may have the stars but we have a team, capable and competent players to match them” he said.
The Black Stars having missed out in the last edition hosted in Russia in 2018 will be hoping to improve their performance in Qatar after exiting the group phase during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Only three sides from the continent have ever progressed to the quarter-finals; Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002, and Ghana in 2010.
Ghanawill be hoping to progress from the group stage at this year’s tournament.
World’s governing football body, FIFA has written to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) boss Kurt Okraku telling Black Stars to focus on World Cup and not to meddle in ‘ideological or political battles’.
FIFA has sent a message to all 32 teams competing at the global showpiece including Ghana to tell them the time has come to focus on the football.
The tournament, which starts in Qatar on 20 November, has been surrounded by controversy.
FIFA writes to GFA Prez Kurt Okraku telling #BlackStars to focus on the #WorldCup2022 and not to meddle in ‘ideological or political battles’ as well as lectures about morality.
Same sex marriage is illegal in 🇶🇦 Qatar which Western countries are keen on raising at the tourney. pic.twitter.com/hrMEgnYOTt
Qatar has been criticised for its stance on same-sex relationships, its human rights record and its treatment of migrant workers.
Peaceful protests have been planned by some players. England skipper Harry Kane and nine other captains of European teams will be wearing ‘One Love’ armbands.
Denmark will also wear “toned-down” shirts to protest against Qatar.
Black Stars make a return to the tournament after missing out on the 2018 edition in Russia and have been drawn in Group H alongside Portugal, South Korea and Uruguay.
Ghana will take on Portugal in their first game on November 24 before playing South Korea and Uruguay on November 28 and December 2 respectively.
Black Stars will play Switzerland in an International friendly on November 17, before travelling to Qatar for the World Cup.
Legends Association of Ashantigold has expressed their displeasure in the recent ruling by the Appeals Committee of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) following the club’s involvement in a match-fixing scandal.
In its decision, the GFA Appeals Committee stated that evidence available to the Committee supports the conclusion reached by the Disciplinary Committee that the match was not played competitively or under competitive circumstances.
A statement from the Legends Association of Ashantigold reads, “This review request has become necessary amidst several inconsistencies identified in the decision of the GFA appeals committee on the match fixing allegations, including but not limited to the absence of a specific article quoted that found the club, Ashantigold as an entity guilty, as well as inconsistencies in stated regulations and corresponding sanctions.”
“We cannot say the likes of Simon Addo, Fatau Dauda, C.K Akornor, Sammy Adjei, Stephen Baidoo, Kamara Dini, Augustine Arhinful, Shaibu Yakubu, Yaw Akyeampong, Ofosu Amoah, Nana Arhin Duah, Mubarak Wakaso, Opoku Agyemang and Nii Afo Dodoo to name just a few never existed.”
President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku has entreated the Black Galaxies to ensure they qualify for the for the 2023 African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament.
Ghana has for three editions of the tournament failed to qualify to lift the trophy.
According to Kurt Okraku, the team led by Annor Walker must break the jinx.
Mr. Okraku speaking at the 28th edition of Congress at Prampram said “We must qualify for the African Nations Championship [CHAN] this time around. .”
The GFA President indicated that the technical team has done a wonderful job with the Black Galaxies.
Black Galaxieshave made a bright start having beaten Benin in the first round qualifiers in the 4-0 goal aggregates.
In the final round of games, the Galaxies defeated the Super Eagles B of Nigeria in the first leg at the Cape Coast Stadium.
The Black Galaxies will leave the shores of Ghana on Friday for the game. Kick-off is scheduled at 15:00GMT.
Already, the team has pledged to advance to the next stage of the tournament.
The 2023 CHAN is scheduled to be hosted in Algeria.
President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, has revealed that Access Bank is now the headline sponsor of the Division One League for the 2022/23 football season.
Access Bank is also now the official bank of the Football Association.
Mr Simeon-Okraku made this known while speaking at the 28th ordinary session of congress at the Ghanaman Centre of Excellence on Tuesday, August 30, 2022.
“The Ghana Football Association has successfully concluded a partnership deal with Access Bank limited that will see the Bank come on board as the official bank of the GFA and the headline sponsor of the Division One League for one football, season for an amount of $250,000,” he said.Despite the new deal, Melcom Group, GFA said continues to be a strong partner of the GFA.
The Group, Mr Simeon-Okraku said will support all clubs in the DOL with GHc 5000 shopping vouchers for the next two years.
“Starting from January 2023; each of the 48 Division One League clubs will receive GHc 10,000 worth of fuel cards to reduce transport cost,” President Simeon-Okraku added.
The 2022/23 Division One League will kick off on the weekend of Friday, September 30 Monday, October 3, 2022.
A mechanized borehole facility at the Ghanaman Centre of Excellence at Prampam has been commissioned by the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
This comes after the Executive Council decided to invest part of the proceeds from the FIFA Forward 1.0 in the construction of borehole facilities to improve competitions across the various facets of the game.
The provision of boreholes for the watering of pitches funded by the FIFA Forward 1.0 programme is aimed at improving the quality of pitches and ultimately the quality of competitions across the country.
So far, a total of 63 boreholes have been constructed nationwide out of the 80 promised by the administration.
Of this number, 30 are completed, 12 are 90% done, 20 are at 50% stage and one is 80% completed.
The MTN FA Cup winner and the Ghana Premier League champion compete in the cup match during the off-season.
Accordingly, victors of the two competitions, Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko were billed to lock horns in the Super Cup as a curtain raiser for the 2022/23 football season.
Amid talk that both clubs are considering pulling out of the Super Cup, the Executive Council of the Ghana FA has met to discuss the matter.
At the end of the meeting, the GFA Exco decided to call off the Super Cup.
The decision is to give both clubs enough time to prepare adequately for the upcoming season.
Inaki Williams of Athletic Bilbao claims that the offseason was the ideal time to switch allegiance to Ghana after playing for Spain and that he won’t regret his choice. The 28-year-old, whose parents are Ghanaians and who were born in Bilbao, played for Spain’s Under-21 squad and also had one senior team appearance in a friendly match against Bosnia in 2016.
The attacker feels firm that he is wasting his prime years waiting for his next call-up to the international team after six years of being ignored by Spain, and he may now play at this year’s World Cup. Williams declared, “I have my African ancestry and Ghanaian blood while being born in Europe.
“I think this is the best moment to make that decision. I don’t think I will regret it, because these opportunities only come once. I wasn’t going to have this opportunity again, and I think I made the right choice. I will enjoy the moment, and my roots and repay the chance Ghana has given me. I think I will enjoy it on the sporting side and personally,†he explained
Williams was among five players who declared their allegiance to Ghana last month, and the decision by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to bolster its World Cup-bound squad through its diaspora has met with some backlash from followers of the Black Stars. Wary supporters are worried that this trend – snapping up eligible players of Ghanaian heritage – might disturb the harmony of the squad that qualified for the finals, which began on November 20.
Some of the newcomers are seen as opportunists who just want a chance to play in Qatar, where the 2010 World Cup quarter-finalists will face Portugal, South Korea, and Uruguay in Group H. However, Williams revealed he thought about committing to the four-time African champions for “many months before switching allegiance to Ghana.â€
“My family helped me make the decision, and GFA president (Kurt Okraku) made the most effort for me to be with the national team,†he added.
“Many factors have influenced this decision. They proposed to me that I represent Ghana, as I had a pending trip to visit my family in the country.â€
“I had nothing clearly figured, but the trip helped me see what my grandparents thought about. It was then easier when you see the people and your family also support you to be a Black Star.â€
He also believes that Ghana can be competitive, and has, therefore, vowed to give his all once he makes his debut.
“There are many good players in the national team and we have a good squad. We will try to do our best all the time. Pressure or no pressure, I will give back the affection received through effort, work, and goals if they come. No one will be able to reproach my effort to make them feel proud of me,†he said.
Skeptics have, however, insinuated that Williams could follow the path of Kevin-Prince Boateng, another European-born player who decided to represent Ghana at the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cup. The former Germany U21 international rarely showed up for fixtures in far-flung corners of the continent and never appeared at the Africa Cup of Nations.
“I will be available for the Nations Cup, that’s why I made the choice. We valued that the next editions will be in the winter, but at the end of the day, many European clubs lose their best players,†Williams said
“Representing the country my parents are from, and the country where I feel very loved, I will try to give everything for Ghana,” He revealed.
Asked if his decision would have been different if he had to choose between Ghana and Spain, Williams replied: “I don’t know. The choice I made is Ghana, for my family, for myself and for everything they have shown me in the last few months.”
After eight seasons at Athletic, Williams holds the record for the most consecutive appearances in La Liga – 234 games – after bettering the previous mark of 202 last October. He became the first black player to score in the club’s 117-year history when netting against Torino in February 2015, and Williams has the support of the club in his quest to pursue an international career outside of Spain.
“The current President, Aitor Elizegi, always wanted me to make that choice because he felt it would’ve made me happy,” he said”, adding:I think he feels happy and proud I have made that decision. Aitor sent me an emotive message as soon as I released the statement. I will always be grateful to him for being so supportive and understanding of my feelings.”
Williams’ younger brother, Nico, also plays for the Basque side, but he is unsure if the 20-year-old will follow in his footsteps and choose Ghana over Spain. “Despite being brothers, that question isn’t for me,” he said. That’s his decision, and that answer is down to him. I will, however, be there to support and help him.”
Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ashanti Gold SC Albert Commey Aryeetey will meet the Ghana Football Association (GFA) today to assist with investigations aimed at protecting the integrity of the game.
All cases of match manipulation and betting are contrary to the provisions of the GFA Code of Ethics 2019, GFA Premier League Regulations 2019 and the GFA Disciplinary Code 2019.
The GFA has reminded both officials that the FIFA and GFA Code of Ethics impose duties on participants in football to assist the Association and FIFA in eradicating such ills from the game- the Duty to Disclose and the Duty to Cooperate.
Mr. Albert Commey Aryeetey is scheduled to meet the GFA at 2pm.Â
