The Disciplinary Committee of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has initiated proceedings against Alhaji Brimah Moro Akanbi, a board member of Hearts of Oak, following his recent public criticism of match officials.
In a televised interview on Mother TV, Alhaji Akanbi attributed Hearts of Oak's poor performance in the first round of the 2023/24 Ghana Premier League to the decisions made by match officials during their matches.
He accused the officials of bias against the Phobians, suggesting that their decisions unfairly impacted the team's position on the league table.
In response, the GFA issued a statement accusing Alhaji Akanbi of misconduct and undermining the integrity of the Ghana Premier League.
The association cited a breach of Section 34(6)(d) of the GFA Premier League Regulations, 2019, pertaining to comments made about match officials in the media.
The statement further declared that Alhaji Akanbi's remarks constituted misconduct that tarnished the reputation of the sport.
“Hearts of Oak’s Amadu Moro Akanbi has been charged with a breach of Section 34(6)(d) of the GFA Premier League Regulations, 2019 following comments made about Match Officials in the media,” the statement read.
“It is alleged that his commentary on the Match Officials constitutes misconduct that brings the name of the game into disrepute.”
Alhaji Akanbi has been given until Thursday, February 8, 2024, to provide a response to the charges leveled against him by the GFA.
Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Kurt Okraku, expressed his disappointment at the Black Stars' failure to clinch the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, emphasizing that bringing the cup home was their collective hope and dream.
"Our hope, our dream was to bring the cup back home. It didn't work out and we can't be disappointed enough," Okraku stated during a press conference in Kumasi.
Despite the setback, Okraku maintained optimism about the future of Ghanaian football, highlighting the GFA's reflective approach and decisive actions aimed at enhancing the sport in the country.
"Management and technical decisions have seen us reflect on our work as a team. To reflect on what policies to help bring back the love and glory for the country," Okraku explained.
Acknowledging football's unifying role in Ghana, Okraku underscored the sport's significance in fostering unity among people of diverse backgrounds and religions.
"Football is the sport that unites our country Ghana. It is the sport that has brought us together, It is the sport that has brought religious and people from varied backgrounds together," Okraku noted.
He further disclosed that the GFA has been engaged in a reflective period, assessing their performance and identifying areas for improvement.
"It's been a reflective period for us and we have to be decisive and take far-reaching decisions that will impact positively in the game," Okraku added.
Okraku's remarks come in the aftermath of the Black Stars' early exit from the AFCON tournament, where they were eliminated in the group stages after failing to secure a single victory.
Despite the challenges, Okraku remains confident in the GFA's ability to instigate positive changes and elevate the sport's status in Ghana.
The latest figure to apply for the Black Stars vacant coaching role is George Boateng- who has served as the team's assistant gaffer for over two years now.
The Ghana Football Association per reports in the media, are monitoring Mauritania national team head coach Amir Abdou and are willing to hand him the Black Stars vacant coaching role.
Mauritania's head coach, Amir Abdou, currently engaged in negotiations with the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has reportedly received a lucrative offer of USD45,000 per month, according to exclusive reports from AfricaSoccer.com.
This enticing proposal surpasses the USD35,000 offer presented by the Mauritanian Football Federation for a three-year contract extension, casting uncertainty over Abdou's future with his current team.
The Ghana FA is eager to secure the services of the French/Comorian tactician to fill the void left by the dismissal of Chris Hughton, following Ghana's disappointing campaign at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where the Black Stars failed to progress from their group.
Abdou's discontent with the treatment he has received from the Mauritanian media has further complicated the negotiation process.
Moreover, reports suggest that the Mauritanian Federation is already contemplating Spanish trainer Aritz Lopez Garay as a potential replacement, indicating a proactive approach even before Abdou's potential departure for the Ghanaian national team.
With Abdou's current contract set to expire on March 1, 2024, time is of the essence in this unfolding situation.
Abdou has previously steered Mauritania to their most successful AFCON campaign, reaching the Round of 16 stage after securing a notable victory over Algeria.
His coaching achievements extend to Comoros, where he guided the team to their inaugural AFCON appearance, including a memorable group stage victory over Ghana in 2021, although they ultimately bowed out in the Round of 16.
Amidst the evolving circumstances, the prospect of Abdou extending his tenure with Mauritania appears uncertain unless significant developments occur in the negotiation process.
Amid mounting calls for Manchester United's rising star Kobbie Mainoo to join the Black Stars squad, former Ghana midfielder Laryea Kingston has advocated for patience and a strategic approach in considering the youngster's inclusion.
The buzz surrounding Mainoo intensified following his stellar performances in the English Premier League, notably his game-winning goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers last Thursday.
While acknowledging the Ghana Football Association's (GFA) interest in Mainoo, Kingston, currently serving as an assistant coach for the Black Starlets, emphasized the importance of a systematic approach.
Speaking to Graphic Sports, Kingston emphasized the need for engaging with Mainoo and creating a welcoming environment before rushing into a national team call-up.
“Here is a case where we have a young boy coming up and he is doing well with Manchester United and all of a sudden Ghanaians say we should bring him. Have we thought about integration, how many times has he even come to Ghana?” he said.
Highlighting his own experience in integrating overseas-born talents like Junior Agogo and Quincy Owusu-Abeyie into the national team, Kingston stressed the importance of making Mainoo feel at home.
He urged for personal visits to Manchester United to connect with Mainoo and ensure his comfort before considering him for the national team.
Kingston emphasized the necessity of evaluating Mainoo's playing style and its alignment with the Black Stars' strategy and philosophy.
Additionally, he urged caution in assessing Mainoo's connection to Ghana and the potential challenges of integrating a player who may not have strong ties to the country despite his heritage.
“We need to talk to him, visit him at Manchester United and let him feel that he is welcome then slowly you lure him into the environment. Agogo and Quincy and all those people, some of us were part of their integration. We helped them to fit in and feel comfortable,” he recalled.
