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Tag: Kurt Okraku

  • We put Ghana first – Kurt Okraku on decision to cancel football season

    Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kurt Okraku believes the outfit’s Executive Council prioritized the interest of the nation first in prematurely terminating the domestic football season due to the coronavirus pandemic.

    After two months of a standstill owing to Covid-19, the football’s governing body permanently canceled the 2019-20 term.

    The men’s Premier League (GPL) and FA Cup competitions headline the competitions affected by the big call.

    We have 18 clubs in the Premier League with minimum players of 30 each, coaches, administrators, 48 clubs in the Division One, medical staff, Women’s Premier League. We also have Division Two, Three and juvenile football [clubs] at the regional level,” Okraku said as reported by Football Ghana.

    “We are talking about a large chunk of people who wholly rely on football as a source of living.

    “We also serve as entertainment to people at the social aspect and people also use our platforms as a source of living.

    “So it is a huge decision that we had to take but we thought about Ghana first obviously, whiles we continue to engage our key stakeholder to ensure that we bring back football.”

    Owing to Covid-19, football and all other contact sports remain suspended in Ghana until at least July 31 as part of measures to curb the spread of the disease.

    Following the recent return of some national leagues in England, Spain, Germany and Italy, there had been calls for Ghana to follow suit.

    The rising number of coronavirus infection cases in the west African country, however, left concerns about the quest for football resumption.

    At the time of temporary suspension, a total of six cases had been recorded.

    As at June 30 when the term was annulled, the West African nation had registered 17,1741 cases involving 113 deaths, 13,268 recoveries and 4,361 active cases.

    Earlier last month, the GFA revealed it was engaging the Government of Ghana over the possible resumption of football under strictly safe protocols such as playing matches behind closed doors, having had a first request rejected.

    The football’s governing body was hoping to follow the template of the likes of England, Spain, Germany and Italy, who resumed domestic football after the similar temporary suspension of their national leagues due to the pandemic.

    Source: goal.com

  • Lets give Okrakus FA some time – Aduana Stars coach

    Assistant coach of Dormaa-based Aduana Stars, WO1 Paul Tandoh, has called on football administrators and the public to “hold their tongues” a little longer for the present administration of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) as it seeks to bring back football to its feet.

    The present administration is only eight months in office, but already tongues are wagging in their direction amidst name-calling with others comparing their tenure to the immediate past administration and scoring the present low marks.

    This, Coach WO1 Tandoh believes, is not right and too early for such comparisons.

    “The GFA has just crawled as we just came out of the woods after the Anas Aremeyaw Anas exposé.This administration was putting things in place before the COVID-19 pandemic also came in, and within eight months, one should not expect them to change the face of the game within this period.”

    In a chat with Times Sportsyesterday, he said although football is huge in Ghana and is the passion of a larger majority, people should exercise patience for the new administration as they seek to return footballto where it belongs.

    “People should remember where we are coming from. All that happened with the Anas exposé would not take eight months to rub off. I plead with Ghanaians to stop trying to force their opinions on them; they came in with a plan, allow them to execute them before you start to pass judgment.”

    According to the coach, the current administration has their own plans.

    However,“the way people are running commentaries about them is not the best; the way they are drawing comparisons and casting slursis not the best.”

    The 2017 league winner with Aduana Stars noted that if the present administration had finished the league season, then people could put pen on paper to mark them on whatever they said and what they have done.

    “Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, one cannot say much about the current administration for now. However, in my view, the education and campaign on bringing back the love for the game as well as the setting up of the various committees to see to the various aspects of the game, are some good things they have done and if given time, I believe our game would come good.

    “My hope is that these committees would not fail and push the efforts of the executives down the drain, but would work hard and bring Ghana football back on its feet,” he asserted.

    Whilst urging the committees to uphold the integrity, loyalty and repay the trust reposed in them by the GFA and the clubs, he scored the administration 60 per cent stating he is pleased with what the FA has shown so far.

    “However, I would task them (GFA) to intensify the appeal and education on bringing back the love for the game, especially at the grassroots level,” Coach Tandoh said.

    Disclaimer : “Opinions expressed in this article are the sole responsibility of the author(s) and do not in any way reflect those of tigpost.co. Our outfit will hereby not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article.”

    Source: ghanaiantimes.com.gh

  • GFA, government to offer support to stranded Ghanaian footballers in Ethiopia – Kurt Okraku

    The President of the Ghana Football Association, Kurt Okraku, says he is in discussions with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, as well as the Foreign Affairs Ministry to provide every needed assistance to some stranded Ghanaian footballers in Ethiopia.

    Earlier today, over a dozen Ghanaian footballers, including former Black Stars player Lee Addy posted an emotional video of their plight in Ethiopia and begged the government to intervene and repatriate them home.

    The video, which has since gone viral seemed to have caught the attention of the GFA President and he has promised to act and get them some help.

    Taking to his Facebook page, Kurt Okraku wrote, “I have just taken notice of a video of some Ghanaian Footballers who seem to be stranded in Ethiopia..I am in contact with Hon Issac Kwame Asiamah (Sports Minister)who has directed that, contact be made with the boys and the Ghana Embassy in Ethiopia…..

    “All hands on deck at the moment to offer every support to our brothers…..
    Soon ,….this too shall pass!!!!!!.” He promised.

    Background

    The Ghanaian players in Ethiopia have been left stranded following the cancellation of the football season in that country.

    The players have been in Ethiopia since March, 2020 largely due to the closure of Ghana’s borders due to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

    The players are crying for help and went to the Ghanaian consulate in Ethiopia, where they were asked to pay $2000 to be airlifted by a Cargo plane to Accra.

    The players disclosed their rent and work permit will be due on June 30th, leaving them to their own mercy in the East African nation.

    Some the players in a video were complaining their little monies have all be spent on rent and food with no football for three months.

    Football in Africa was brought to a halt following the outbreak of COVID-19.

    Several leagues including the Ethiopian top-flight league has been cancelled leaving foreign nationals stranded.

    https://web.facebook.com/okraku2/posts/10158730035917577

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • I am not bothered about pending CAS ruling- Kurt Okraku

    President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku has reiterated that he is not perturbed about the upcoming ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS).

    Ahead of the 2019 Ghana FA presidential elections, Wilfred Osei Kweku Palmer was disqualified by the Vetting Committee of the Normalization Committee.

    Mr. Osei Palmer has filed for clarification on his disqualification with a ruling set to be made on July 17.

    But according to the former Dreams FC Executive Chairman, he is focused and not worried about the pending ruling.

    “I am not worried,” he said. “An election was organized by the Normalization Committee and members elected me as the president of the Football Association but my brother Osei Palmer felt he was not given a fair hearing by the Normalization Committee but I am not worried.

    “I have said it over and over again that I am focus.

    “The ruling will not change anything because Congress elected me as Ghana Football Association president,” he added.

    Kurt Okraku succeeded Kwesi Nyantakyi as the new Ghana Football Association president.

    Disclaimer : “Opinions expressed in this article are the sole responsibility of the author(s) and do not in any way reflect those of tigpost.co. Our outfit will hereby not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article.”

    Source: footballghana.com

  • ‘We’ll bring back football in the safest possible way’ – GFA President

    Kurt E.S Okraku, President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has said the association is closely working with the Government Advisory team to ensure the safe return of football.

    According to the GFA President, the GFA Medical Team, General Secretary and the Competitions Department have presented sound proposals to Government through the Government Advisory Team on COVID-19 as well as the Sports Ministry.

    “I have personally met with the Government Advisory Team on COVID-19 led by Dr. Nsiah Asare to discuss the possible return of football and what we would require to actualize it, resulting in a discussion on a roadmap for the safe return of football.

    “The Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service and the Government of Ghana have been very open and supportive in these deliberations,” Mr. Okraku said in a press statement.

    Mr. Okraku said that the Executive Council is considering all factors to make a decision on the season before or on the June 30 set deadline.

    “We continue to engage all key stakeholders including WAFU, CAF, and FIFA at both the Committees, General Secretaries, and the President’s level to ensure that our Association is at the forefront of all discussion on the season and possible resumption dates for football,” Mr. Okraku said.

    Source: GNA

  • Give Kurt Okraku time to work – Mohammed Polo

    Legendary Ghanaian footballer Mohammed Polo insists GFA President Kurt Okraku needs time to work, after criticisms from a section of the public.

    Football fans and some club administrators are unhappy with the FA’s handling of issues during COVID-19, drawing huge backlash at the president.

    However, Polo believes Kurt Okraku is on track and needs time to bring his plans to reality.

    “I think is too early to judge him because the work at stake for him is huge and not an easy job as well,” he told Bryt FM.

    “Though the Ghana Premier League was without a headline sponsor, it was going well until the suspension of football but it is just unfortunate.

    “We need to give him ample time to do his work rather than criticizing him. We have to give him the chance to operate and see what he brings on board.

    “His time in office now is limited and so why should we criticize him? He quizzed.

    “The pull him down will not help us as a country. I think Kurt needs time because he also has what he is bringing on board as Ghana FA president.

    “He has a four-year mandate so we should wait for him to go at least three years before we talk about his work but judging him within seven-eight months is not the best.”

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Kurt Okraku is facing the same accusations leveled at Nyantakyi by the media- Ibrahim Dossey

    Management member of Dreams FC Ibrahim Dossey, believes that the media is treating Kurt Okraku the same way they did to Kwesi Nyantakyi as Ghana Football Association President.

    According to Dossey, Nyantakyi was wrongly tagged as corrupt and he ended up being defamed for what he did not do.

    “Former president Nyantakyi was chastised by a session of the media on things He did not do but were purported he did, that’s how come the term ” Sika die ” came to existence, now it is known that He never took monies from the GFA accounts but unfortunately the has been destroyed by this untruly told story,” he told Ashaiman Tv.

    Mr. Dossey insists that the media is trying to make Kurt Okraku look bad already, but he believes the strong personality of Kurt will see him succeed.

    “Now Kurt is in and trying to build the brand again but he is facing the same problem by the media but I know Kurt is a strong character and will achieve his aim before bowing out as the GFA president, let’s all support Kurt and He will deliver,” he added.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Ibrahim Dossey calls on Ghanaians to support GFA boss Kurt Okraku

    The Head of Operations of Proton Sports, Ibrahim Dossey has called on Ghanaians to support Kurt Okraku to succeed as Ghana Football Association president.

    There have been diverse views about the performance of the Ghana Football Association in the past as they’ve been accused of bribery and corruption under the leadership of ex-GFA boss Kwesi Nyantakyi.

    But according to Dossey, with the support of Ghanaians, Kurt Okraku will succeed as the GFA president.

    “Former president Nyantakyi was chastised by a session of the media on things he did not do but were purported he did, that’s how come the term ” Sika die ” came to existence,” he stated on Ashaiman Tv.

    “Now it is known that he never took monies from the GFA accounts but unfortunately the has been destroyed by this untruly told story.”

    He added, “Now Kurt is in and trying to build the brand again but He is facing the same problem by the media but I know Kurt is a strong character and will definitely achieve his aim before bowing out as the GFA president, let’s all support Kurt and He will deliver ”

    Source: footballghana.com

  • We need to think outside the box to fund football – GFA President

    Mr. Kurt Okraku, President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has said the COVID-19 pandemic has brought in its wake financial hardship for stakeholders in the football industry.

    He said it is therefore prudent for all stakeholders in the sporting industry to think outside the box to find innovative ways to finance football in the country.

    Currently, he said the two major sources of funding- the annual subvention from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the statutory funds from FIFA, were not sufficient to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic.

    The GFA President made these remarks in an interview with the GNA Sports on the sidelines of a media briefing on details of the easing of restrictions on some sporting disciplines.

    Mr. Okraku said it was imperative for corporate entities in the country to come onboard to support sporting activities, especially as the pandemic had hit hard at club owners, football administrators, and players in general.

    He admitted that the GFA had received $400,000 from CAF this year, but was not adequate to tackle the financial difficulties faced by football stakeholders.

    He said the Association was expecting financial support from the COVID-19 Emergency Fund to support the running of football, saying the football economy in Ghana was too small and not robust “So we have to think outside the box and be fair in our thinking processes”.

    Mr. Okraku said, the Association would need funds to purchase personal protective equipment, undertake educational campaigns and support clubs since football would be organised behind closed doors when the league resumed.

    On whether the Ghana Premiere League would be truncated or otherwise, Mr. Okraku said the Executive Council of the GFA would make the final decision on June 30.

    The FA President stated that there had been a series of meetings between the Council and Government and would come out publicly on the way forward on June 30.

    Source: GNA

  • Autonomous league will reduce your influence Ex-GHALCA Chairman tells Kurt Okraku

    Former Chairman of Ghana Leagues Clubs Association [GHALCA], Alhaji Ali Raji has cautioned Ghana Football Association [GFA] President, Mr Kurt Okraku to be cautious of the implementation of the autonomous league.

    The Ghana FA has announced its decision to make the Premier League autonomous.

    But Mr Raji believes that the influence of the President will be drastically reduced if the GFA loses control on the league.

    “I am surprised about the eagerness of the new GFA President to see the league go autonomous, it will greatly reduce the influence of the President,” he told Akoma FM.

    ”Ghana Football is all about the league and therefore if he loses influence and control on the league, where lies his authority again,” he added.

    The GFA Executive Council outlined steps to make the Ghana Premier League autonomous a couple of days ago.

    Pursuance to that, Premier League Clubs nominated three eminent persons to serve on the Autonomous Committee tasked with the responsibility of developing the modalities and the road map to make the league autonomous and independent of the Ghana Football Association.

    Togbe Afede XIV, Mr John Ansah and Delali Senaye will be joined by two persons selected by the GFA to begin the process.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Kurt Okraku administration has been successful – Ibrahim Dossey

    Ibrahim Dossey, Head of Operations at Proton Sports has described the current Ghana Football Association as a successful administration ever seen from day one.

    It has been some seven months since Okraku assumed the role of GFA President and Dossey has commended him for good job so far.

    He praised the current FA of operating an open-door policy and promoting unity in the football fraternity.

    “I believe from day one that Kurt Okraku’s administration will be successful because he is very consultative to people like Michael Osekere and the GFA executive council members”

    Source: Isaac Ganyo Tamakloe, contributor

  • Asamoah Gyan will receive a rousing farewell when he retires – Kurt Okraku assures

    Ghana Football Association president, Kurt Okraku has expressed readiness to give legendary striker Asamoah Gyan a befitting send off when he hang his boots.

    The general captain of the Black Stars recently echoed that he will be happy if the association gives him a rousing farewell when he puts his to rest as a professional player.

    Gyan explained in an interview monitored by Footballghana.com that, he does not want to become one of the Ghanaian players who leave the national team with pain.

    Despite earning national and worldwide recognition, Gyan believes that when the time is up, stakeholders in the football industry must give him a befitting farewell.

    However, the FA capo in an interview with German based Topical Radio highlighted the need to honour players who have given their all to the national team particularly Asamoah Gyan.

    According to Kurt, after having talks with the striker, he is certain the FA will honour him.

    “I have spoken to Gyan, John Mensah, Richard Kingston, Stephen Appiah and I am trying to get in touch with Michael Essien and other players who have performed well for the nation”

    “In my conversation with Gyan, he made it known that he wants to enter into coaching after football and the FA under my auspices will do everything possible to assists him in his chosen field. I think they have played their part for the country and it will be prudent to honour these great personalities” he said.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • GFA President Kurt Okraku meets Education Minister

    President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt E.S Okraku on Tuesday, May 26, 2020, held a meeting with Education Minister Mathew Opoku Prempeh (Hon.) over partnership of mutual benefits.

    The meeting, which took place at the Ministers office in Accra, discussed a host of issues and also looked at how the two entities can work together for a common good. They looked at various ways the GFA could partner with the Education Ministry to ensure that kids not only follow education but also pursue their sporting development.

    Executive Council member Samuel Anim Addo, Western Regional Football Association Chairman Simon Ehomah and Samuel Aboabire, the Chairman of the Greater Accra Regional Football Association, accompanied the president to the meeting.

    They also touched on the possibility of setting up a football academy, possibility of footballers getting scholarship to pursue higher levels of education, investment, enhancement and improvement of the inter-collages football festivals across the country, where in the time past, players that formed the Academicals were picked from, among others.

    The Minister was very excited by the approach by the GFA and asked the federation to submit a proposal for consideration.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Acheampong appointed as chairman of Referees Assessors and Classification panel

    The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has appointed Executive Council member, Mr. Frederick Acheampong as the Chairman of the Referees Assessors and Classification Panel.

    The Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) Match Coordinator would be joined by the retired Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) referee Justice Yeboah and Emmanuella Aglago as members according to a statement from the GFA.

    The trio would be responsible for evaluating and assessing the performance of referees by giving advice and constructive comments to help the development of the referees while also using a marking system.

    It said they shall also analyze the performance of referees in the matches in their various categories under the auspices of the GFA and be responsible for grading and classification of referees.

    The statement said Deputy Chairman of the Central Regional Football Association Dr. Francis Eyiah Bediako would chair the Referees Match Review panel retired referee R.K Atifu would be part of a three-man Instructors team announced by the FA.

    Below is the full list of appointments:

    MATCH REVIEW PANEL

    Dr. Francis Eyiah Bediako – Deputy Chairman, Central Region FA.

    Innocentia Agbavitor – Retired FIFA referee

    Paul Ayamba – Chairman, Match Commissioners.

    This panel would review incidents picked up by official League footage and make a decision to refer the incident to the tribunal based on the rules of the game as outlined on a report sheet. They shall operate independently of Referees Committee.

    ASSESSORS AND CLASSIFICATION PANEL

    Frederick Acheampong – Chairman

    Justice Yeboah – Member

    Emmanuella Aglago – Member

    Source: GNA

  • Well take a decision on the Premier League soon Kurt Okraku

    The President of the Ghana Football Association, Kurt Okraku, has revealed that he is engaging the Bundesliga, Czech league and the Danish super league to gather ideas on the best way forward for the Ghana Premier League.

    “Personally I have been engaging the Bundesliga directly; I have taken custody of their protocol guidelines, I have engaged managers of the premier league in Czech Republic and I have also engaged the managers of the Danish super league and I have handed all these documents to the medical committee, they are the experts, they will look at it and with their enormous ways of experience, I am sure they will put together a document for us to consider. I assure you that we will consider all options available to make a good decision,” He stated

    Ghana football has been put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic. This will be the second time in two years the local league has been halted after the Anas Expose in 2018 led to the discontinuation of the league.

    There have been diverse opinions on what should be the fate of the league as some quarters are calling for cancellation while others believe the league can still continue despite the existence of the virus.

    But according to Mr Okraku, his outfit is considering all possible scenarios to make a better decision on the league

    “I am working closely with the medical committee, headed by the very experienced Dr Baba, Dr Percy and Dr. Kofi Abbro. The medical team is taking into considerations all scenarios possible to truncate, cancel or continue the league and then advise us on the decision to take and once we get the advice we will communicate to the Sports ministry.”

    Source: Starr FM

  • ‘We are expecting two funds from FIFA’- GFA President Kurt Okraku

    President of the Ghana Football Association, Kurt Okraku has revealed that his outfit is expecting two forms of funds from World Football governing body FIFA.

    The funds to be received from FIFA comes in two folds, the FIFA Forward and the FIFA Coronavirus Fund which is expected to help the FA during the period of distress caused by coronavirus.

    “We are also waiting for FIFA to fast track the process and get is the Emergency COVID-19 fund. We are expecting two funds from FIFA. The FIFA forward and the FIFA COVID-19 fund,” Kurt Okraku told Happy Sports.

    The Ghana Premier League is currently on suspension due to the outbreak of Coronavirus in the West African state.

    The impact of the pandemic has seen clubs cry for help from the FA, with the monies expected to be used as a form of relief for the association and teams.

    “FIFA forward money, you cant withdraw cash, you cant take loan with the cash and you cant misappropriate the fund. We have explained this to the clubs and again, Emergency fund is still being expected and we shall share that with the clubs when the money is paid to the FA,” said the President.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Corporate Ghana won’t take us seriously if the league is truncated- GFA President

    Ghana Football Association President, Kurt E.S Okraku believes that the truncation of the 2019/20 Ghana Premier League season may affect the association’s relationship with Corporate Ghana.

    The 2019/20 Ghana Premier League was halted halfway into the season following the ban on all public gatherings by the state in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic.

    Due to the rapid increase in the number of confirmed cases of Coronavirus in the country and the extension of the ban on social gatherings by the President, there have been some calls from some stakeholders for the truncation of the league as it is still not clear when the fight against the pandemic will be won.

    However, according to Kurt Okraku, Corporate Ghana will see the league as inconsistent if it is being truncated because there hasn’t been a winner of the league since 2017.

    “If there is no football, you don’t expect your sponsors to continue dolling out money to the clubs because they are not charities and even charities require a certain form of visibility. You have to also look at the partnership that currently exists at the FA level and the loss of revenue due to this situation.”

    “Before we went for the Coronavirus break, we were busily engaging the private sector to come on board and partner the football association and the measures we put in place before the start of the season had started taking shape in the minds of Ghanaians.”

    “Corporate Ghana has started looking at the Ghana Football Association and the footballing industries as possible partners and we are also looking to get their support. So if we cancel football within this period, we shouldn’t expect corporate Ghana to take us seriously. Don’t forget that since 2017, we have not declared the winners of any league we have played”. Kurt Okraku told Happy FM on the effects of COVID-19 on Ghana’s Sports Industry.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Cancelling football season will be challenging to clubs Kurt Okraku

    Ghana Football Association (GFA) president, Kurt Okraku says it will be a challenging period for the various stakeholders of the Football Association if the 2019/20 football season is cancelled.

    The GFA has engaged its stakeholders to decide on the future of the season whether to truncate or cancel the season due to the coronavirus pandemic.

    The GFA has announced that it will take a decision on 30 June, 2020 to decide on the future of the 2019/20 football season.

    According to Kurt Okraku, the football industry has not been stable since 2017 and is currently facing a big challenge being the Covid-19 pandemic.
    He stated that should the league be cancelled due to the Covid-19, a lot of clubs would be in turmoil.

    “It will be another challenging period for the clubs, referees, match commissioners, if the season is cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, he told Ohene-Bampoe Brenya via Zoom on Happy 98.9FM.

    “At the lower leagues, football indirectly contributes a lot to the economy. Also with football, sponsors will not continue to bring their money on board. The GFA will lose partners, Clubs will also lose their deals with partners and sponsors, Players may lose either their contracts or endorsements, fans will also lose that excitement they get when they watch the games.

    Kurt also revealed that the Covid-19 has led the FA to loss a potential sponsor as there were engagements ongoing before the league was halted.

    He added that with football suspended and the challenges facing the GFA, the only revenue or guarantee of money for the FA will be the FIFA Forward money which will not be adequate for running football in the country

    Source: happyghana.com

  • Nameless football administrators brand Ghana FA Legacy Debt a façade

    Some anonymous football administrators have told Graphic Sports that claims by the Ghana Football Association that it is insolvent are false and façade.

    The Executive Council published a debt stock of GH¢ 11,106,550 which they inherited from the previous administration to justify why they could not disburse US$ 500,000 FIFA Forward money to the association.

    But the dissenters say the branded ‘Legacy Debt’ is contrary to the financial statement presented to congress last December.

    ”Apart from the dark cloud of doubt hanging over the credibility of most of the so-called ‘legacy debts’ of the GFA, the audited financial statements of the GFA over the years (at least from 2006-2019) do not lend the much needed helping hand to the claims of the GFA,” the officials told Graphic Sports.

    ”The claim by the GFA is merely a one-sided financial monologue. Assuming without admitting that the association is swimming in a pool of debt, it’s true that the GFA failed or refused to add that upon assumption of office, it inherited a windfall of revenues, including but not limited to a whopping US$1m paid by Glo.

    ”These revenues were applied to the payment of non-essential expenditures such as the needless renovation of the GFA office premises, the payment of high salaries to new recruits, allowances of Executives, all without the requisite approval of a budget by congress, among others.

    ”A prudent disbursement of the monies received by the current administration would have left the GFA in a better financial state of health.”

    In addition, they argue that a thorough review of the GFA financial statements submitted to congress in December 2019 is in contradiction to the claim by the Ex.Co.

    ”Current assets of the GFA, that are funds set aside to meet short-term external obligations, was projected at GHc15.8 million. The current liabilities of the GFA was estimated at GHc4.1 million, which by implication gives a net current assets of GHc11.77 million,” he said.

    ”This indicates a strong liquidity position of the current assets covering up an external indebtedness by 3.8 times. The claim that the post-balance sheet events of the GFA occurred immediately after June 2019 is not true as most of the indebtedness being made on the GFA were in existence as far back 2001/2002.”

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Kurt Okraku was in Nyantakyi’s house on eve of GFA election – Kofi Manu disclose

    Experienced football administrator, Kofi Manu ‘Blue Boy’ has disclosed that Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kurt Okraku was in the house of Lawyer Kwesi Nyantaki on the eve of the presidential elections.

    The presidential election of the Ghana FA was held at the Physicians and Surgeons center in Accra on October 24, 2019. At the end of a very successful exercise, Kurt Okraku was crowned the winner after beating the likes of George Afriyie, Fred Pappoe, Nana Yaw Amponsah, and a couple of others.

    Days after the election, it was speculated that some of the candidates had visited former GFA president Kwesi Nyantakyi to seek his help in winning the polls.

    Months on, Kof Manu Blue Boy has revealed that Kurt Okraku visited Kwesi Nyantaki at his residence on the eve of the election.

    “Ask Kurt Okraku where he was around 3am on the eve of GFA elections. He was in Nyantakyi’s house”, the outspoken football administrator said.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Kofi Manu accuses Kurt Okraku of being ungrateful to Kwesi Nyantakyi

    Experienced football administrator, Kofi Manu has accused Kurt Okraku of being ungrateful to Kwesi Nyantakyi after winning the Ghana Football Association (GFA) presidential elections.

    The former vice-chairman of the Player Status Committee made the utterance after implying that Kurt Okraku received help from the formal GFA boss whom he visited on the eve of the elections.

    “Ask Kurt Okraku where he was around 3am on the eve of GFA elections. He was in Nyantakyi’s house”, Kofi Manu revealed while speaking to Vision 1 FM.

    He continued, “Kurt has been ungrateful to Kwasi Nyantakyi. But I know why he is doing that, it’s not his fault because he is at a tight corner”.

    Kofi Manu further shared that Kurt Okraku is not a bad leader but his problem is that he has surrounded himself with bad people.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Kurt Okraku was in Nyantakyi’s house on eve of GFA election – Kofi Manu disclose

    Experienced football administrator, Kofi Manu ‘Blue Boy’ has disclosed that Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kurt Okraku was in the house of Lawyer Kwesi Nyantaki on the eve of the presidential elections.

    The presidential election of the Ghana FA was held at the Physicians and Surgeons center in Accra on October 24, 2019. At the end of a very successful exercise, Kurt Okraku was crowned the winner after beating the likes of George Afriyie, Fred Pappoe, Nana Yaw Amponsah, and a couple of others.

    Days after the election, it was speculated that some of the candidates had visited former GFA president Kwesi Nyantakyi to seek his help in winning the polls.

    Months on, Kof Manu Blue Boy has revealed that Kurt Okraku visited Kwesi Nyantaki at his residence on the eve of the election.

    “Ask Kurt Okraku where he was around 3am on the eve of GFA elections. He was in Nyantakyi’s house”, the outspoken football administrator said.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Kurt Okraku has never called me since he won the GFA election – Palmer

    Disqualified Ghana FA presidential aspirant Wilfred Osei Kwaku “Palmer” says he is yet to be offered an olive branch by Kurt Okraku since he became the president of the association.

    It’s unclear if the two men are at loggerheads but the Tema Youth boss has revealed that he has not been contacted by the current FA president since assuming office.

    “People came into leadership base on a situation. My good friend Kurt Okraku came into power due a situation.

    “Kurt has never called me. I have made overtures to his party members, but I have not heard from him.

    “I am not concerned about GFA election. After election, no campaign. I don’t think about that. The only thing I can do is to help if I am consulted. So collectively, we can all help push.

    “Immediately after the election, they should have closed ranks. They did not open up. I have discussed with George, Nana Yaw and the rest and its same.”

    Palmer is fighting his disqualification from the presidential race in October 2019 at the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS).

  • Kurt Okraku committing too many blunders – Kofi Manu

    Veteran football administrator, Kofi Manu has waved into the administration of Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kurt Okraku while indicating that he is committing too many blunders.

    Assessing the first 3 months Kurt Okraku has been in office, Kofi Manu has questioned why referees and match commissioners have not been paid but the country’s football governing body is still making appointments.

    The experienced football administrator quizzed, “A little football that we are playing in the 11th week, we haven’t paid referees, match commissioners, and within your 3 months space, you are employing over 5 people to the secretariat, where is the money to make payment for them?

    Kofi Manu who believes too many blunders are being committed by the Ghana FA boss says he might be surrounded by the wrong people who are advising him wrongly.

    “I think that Kurt is committing too many blunders within his 3 months in office. I always say and will repeat that in this world, we don’t have bad leaders but have bad advisers surrounding leaders, very bad ones”, Kofi Manu told Light FM.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Avoid hooliganism ahead of Hearts, Kotoko clash – Kurt Okraku

    Mr Kurt Okraku, President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has said Sunday’s Super Clash between Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko will be used as a tool to preach against hooliganism and to promote the “Bring back the Love” campaign.

    The two arch-rivals on Sunday lock horns at the Accra Sports Stadium in a highly anticipated match of the 2019/20 Ghana Premier League (GPL) season.

    Read:GFA shows mercy to Kotoko

    Speaking at a press briefing ahead of the match, Mr. Okraku remained hopeful that, the match would be used as a platform to showcase the positives of Ghana’s football to the outside world.

    “We believe that it is important for us to use our best platform to push the good things we are doing for Ghana football.

    “On Sunday, Ghanan football would have a big platform to showcase our quality to the world. It is a day we are using to preach against hooliganism and also igniting and bringing back the passion and love for football.

    Read:Hooliganism must be curbed In Division One League Kweku Eyiah

    Mr. Okraku added that, the match should be considered as a unifying factor and also show to the Ghanaian sporting populace that football was not war, as it is meant to bring people from diverse background together.

    He also wished the two teams good luck ahead of the gigantic encounter as well the match officials who are expected to handle the clash.

    Source: ghananewsagency.org

  • GFA president Kurt Okraku gets CAF appointment

    President of the Ghana Football Association Kurt Okraku has been appointed by CAF as a member of the organizing committee of the Africa Cup of Nations.

    The appointment sees Kurt Okraku replace former vice president of the GFA George Afriyie who before now served on the AFCON Organizing Committee.

    Read:CAF boss Ahmad hints of returning AFCON dates to January/February

    The Committee will be chaired by CAF president Ahmad Ahmad and assisted by Senegalese Augustin Senghor.

    The Committee is an admixture of astute football administrators and former footballers who cemented legacies in the African game.

    Read:2019 CAF Awards Night: Full list of winners

    Former Cameroon goalkeeper Joseph Antoine Bell is also a member of the Committee.

    The AFCON Organizing Committee have their mandate expiring in 2022.

    Source: footballmadeinghana.com

  • Kurt Okraku can never revive Ghana football – Opeele Boateng

    Former Ghana U-17 assistant coach, Isaac Opeele Boateng has emphatically reiterated that Kurt Okraku’s led administration can never reignite football in the country.

    According to him, people around Mr Okraku are selfish and football administrators are only interested in their selfish gains.

    The 2019/20 Ghana Premier League is set to kick off December 27.

    Read:Ghana football will rise again new GFA boss promises

    “Ghana football can never be the same it is in the past,” the former Asante Kotoko and Tudu Mighty Jet gaffer said on Asempa FM.

    “There are people in football who are only interested in their selfish gains and the people around the president [Kurt Okraku] are also selfish.

    “The hooliganisms, the bribery and the bad attitude of club administrators will still continue because we called for change and the Normalization Committee was worse.

    Read:I underestimated the problems in Ghana football Naa Odofoley

    “I will only believe there is change when people stop being selfish when clubs stop sacking coaches but as it stands, Kurt Okraku has a difficult job and for me, he cannot reignite the passion,” he added.

    Vice president Dr Bawumia will grace the launch of the 2019/20 Ghana Premier League season.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • GFA President confers with FIFA President in Switzerland

    GFA President Kurt E. S. Okraku has held a fruitful meeting with FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the headquarters of FIFA in Switzerland.

    The fruitful meeting, held at the instance of the FIFA President, touched on wide range of issues on Ghana football including administration, refereeing, coaching, finance and logistics.

    Read:Kurt Okraku meets Oguaaman Hene ahead of Black Stars game in Cape Coast

    In his congratulatory message to Mr. Okraku following his election as GFA President in October, the FIFA President extended an invitation to the newly-elected GFA President to visit the Home of Football in Switzerland for a discussion on the development of Ghana football.

    Read:CAF President Ahmad assures GFA president of total support

    Thursday’s meeting was a response to the invitation and it has set the tone for strengthening of relationship between the GFA and FIFA.

    Source: ghanafa.org

  • CAF President Ahmad assures GFA president of total support

    CAF President Ahmad Ahmad has congratulated GFA President Kurt E.S. Okraku on his election as GFA President and also assured him of his total support to help him realise his vision for Ghana football.

    The GFA President is in Egypt to support the Black Meteors towards their mission of ending Ghana’s fifteen-year Olympic football hiatus.

    Read:CAF President Ahmad Ahmad arrives in Egypt ahead of U23 AFCON opening ceremony

    He took the opportunity to call on the CAF President at the CAF headquarters in Cairo.

    At the meeting, the CAF boss expressed his personal support as well as the support of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to Mr Okraku towards achieving his vision of igniting passion and creating wealth for all in Ghana football.

    Ahmad, who has a very good relationship with the Ghana FA, also commended the Ghana FA for a successful election leading to the election of Mr Okraku.

    Read:GFA President Kurt Okraku arrives in Egypt to support Meteors

    He also lauded the GFA President for his vision for Ghana football, adding that the continent’s football controlling body will offer him and the GFA the needed support for the continuous development of football in Ghana.

    The GFA President thanked President Ahmad for the warm welcome, and also expressed his sincere gratitude to President Ahmad for his assurance of support.

    Source: ghanafa.org

  • GFA President Kurt Okraku arrives in Egypt to support Meteors

    Ghana Football Association President, Kurt Okraku has landed in Cairo, Egypt and is expected to offer support to the Black Meteors who are chasing one of three African slots for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

    The FA president decided to jet in to Egypt despite the Black Stars AFCON qualifier against Sao Tome because he sees the opportunity to help the Meteors qualify for the Olympics as more vital and crucial to the #BringBackTheLove agenda which is already gaining traction among Ghanaians.

    Read:Kurt Okraku meets Oguaaman Hene ahead of Black Stars game in Cape Coast

    Kurt has had a dream start to his reign as FA President, after seeing the Black Stars and Black Meteors win their first games under his watch since he was sworn into office.

    Now he is desperate to see the Black Meteors qualify for the Olympic Games for the first time since 2004.

    The Black Meteors have tasted Olympics football six times before. They reached the quarterfinal in Tokyo 1964, before crashing out of the group stage in Mexico City 1968 and Munich 1972. In Barcelona 1992 they became the first ever African side to get an Olympic football medal, claiming the bronze then. They lost in the quarterfinals of Atlanta 1996 before exiting the group stage in their last appearance, In Athens 2004.

    Read:My dad cried when I won the GFA presidential election Kurt Okraku reveals

    The Meteors have a chance to book an early qualification later today when they take on Ivory Coast in the semi-finals of the ongoing African U-23 Championship in Egypt.

    A win for the Meteors today will secure one of the three tickets available to Africa for the Olympic Games.

    In the event the Meteors fail to win today, they will have another chance to qualify in the 3rd/4th playoff later in the week.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Kurt Okraku officially begins work as GFA President today

    Kurt Okraku will today November 18, 2019 officially begin work as the new President of the Ghana Football Association.

    The former Dreams FC CEO beat off competition from George Afriyie, Amanda Clinton, George Ankomah Mensah, Nana Yaw Amponsah and Fred Pappoe in last month’s election to win the GFA top seat.

    Read:Kurt Okraku was Chosen by God to lead Ghana Football Prophetess Bernice Ohene.

    He pulled 93 votes of YES as against 26 delegates after George Afriyie had conceded defeat ahead of the third round.

    The 48-year-old has become the 24th president of the association.

    He takes over the mantle of the running of the Ghana Football Association from a Normalisation Committee put in place by FIFA over the last one year.

    Read:Adhere to accountability and transparency Akufo-Addo to Kurt Okraku

    READ ALSO: I know all those who voted for me – Tony Aubynn after losing GFA Vice Presidential election

    He will serve an initial four-year term with an additional four-year term if re-elected into office.

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • GFA President Kurt Okraku in Kumasi to watch Kotoko-San Pedro clash

    With just two days in office, newly elected president of the Ghana Football Association Kurt Okraku has hit the grounds running as he arrives in Kumasi to throw his support behind Asante Kotoko in their CAF Confederation Cup clash with Ivorian side San Pedro.

    The passionate football administrator is in the Garden City with some of the newly elected executive council members for the task.

    Read:Rally behind Kurt Okraku Akufo-Addo to all

    Kurt, who was elected on Friday is known for his football-crazy nature and zoomed off from the capital early Sunday morning by air to arrive on time for the game.

    The wind of change blowing in Ghana football, sparked by Kurt, is expected to propel the Porcupine Warriors to a massive win on Sunday.

    Asante Kotoko will take on the Ivorians in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup Play-Off encounter at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

    Read:Newly-elected GFA President Kurt Okraku presented with Special FIFA shirt

    The Porcupine Warriors are expected to make it to the group stage of the competition following their exploits last season.

    Kotoko dropped from the CAF Champions League following their failure to kick out Tunisian side Etoile Du Sahel.

    Source: Footballmadeinghana.com

  • “I will close down my church If Kurt Okraku doesn’t win GFA elections – Rev. Otabil

    Leader and founder of the Christ True Word of God Ministry Rev. Kwaku Mensah Otabil has predicted the upcoming Ghana Football Association presidential elections will be won be the executive chairman of Dream Football Club Kurt E.S Okraku.

    This he confirms was revealed to him by God in the spiritual realm with the tough talking George Afriyie coming a distant second.

    “In the spiritual realm,God has revealed to me that Kurt Edwin Simon Okraku will win the GFA Presidential elections on 25th October,2019”

    Read:GFA Elections: Kurt should observe and learn, his time is not due George Afriyie

    “George Afriyie was second with the other Aspirants following him”he told Ashh Fm in Kumasi.

    The prophet has given further credence to his revelation by saying he will quit mounting the pulpit and doing the work of God should his prophesy fall short.

    “I will quit doing the work of God if Kurt Edwin Simon Okraku doesn’t win the GFA Presidential elections”

    He further stressed that all other aspirants making a lot of noise and talking tough will weep on the day of the elections.

    Read:Kurt Okraku reveals vision for Ghana football after announcing GFA presidency decision

    “Those talking will weep after the elections because as it stands now,Kurt Okraku is leading the race in the spiritual realm and it will come to reality”

    “I know George Afriyie personally but I don’t know Kurt Okraku or any other candidate vying for the GFA Presidential seat but that is what God has revealed to me”

    “I will feel very disappointed and betrayed by God and will close down my church if this revelations fails” he vowed.

    Source: Ghanaguardian.com