Kurt Okraku, the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), remains resolute in his belief that Ghanaian football can be revitalized.
Acknowledging the public criticism following the disappointing performance of the Black Stars at the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, Okraku emphasized the need for collective effort and openness to transformative ideas to restore the sport's former glory.
Speaking at the Meet the Press event in Kumasi, Okraku asserted, "We need the collective effort of all and sundry. We take responsibility as leaders of the association but will count on the collective ideas to continue to transform the sport."
Highlighting the FA's commitment to reclaiming the passion and success of Ghanaian football, Okraku urged all stakeholders to unite in the endeavor. He emphasized the importance of listening to diverse perspectives and engaging with the public to solicit feedback and ideas for improvement.
"The FA is very much committed to bringing back the lost glory and the passion of our people. All our publics must stand shoulder to shoulder with us. In good times and in bad times, we are ready to listen to the other minds. We have to let people speak to us and tell us what they think," Okraku stated.
With a collaborative approach and a commitment to transparency and inclusivity, Okraku believes that Ghana football can overcome its challenges and regain its prominence on the global stage.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) organized a meeting with the press in Kumasi on Wednesday, February 7, at the Lancaster Hotel.
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.
Former Super Eagles midfielder Garba Lawal has warned the team to prepare to face a better South Africa side in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final match today, February 7, 2024.
A huge twist as Ghanaian young sensation Ibrahim Osman per reports, has successfully passed his medicals ahead of a huge move to Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion.
