GFA President Denies Interference in Black Stars Player Selection Amidst Ongoing Allegations
The President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, has firmly denied allegations that members of the GFA influence player selections for the national team’s technical coaches.
This denial comes amidst ongoing claims that the association has interfered with the management of the national teams, particularly as they have faced challenges in recent years.
Ghanaians have increasingly voiced concerns over player selection processes, attributing the national teams’ struggles to perceived interference by the GFA. These allegations have fueled a narrative that the association prioritizes its interests over the technical decisions made by coaches.
In response to these claims, Okraku emphasized the autonomy granted to coaches as a critical factor in their decision-making. He specifically referenced Otto Addo’s return as head coach of the Black Stars, stating that this freedom is what encouraged Addo to accept the role once again.
“Coach Addo has mentioned on several platforms that one of the primary reasons he agreed to come back is the fact that he is allowed to work in his preferred manner,” Okraku explained. His comments were made during a session with Parliament’s Sports Select Committee on September 30.
Okraku reiterated that the responsibility for selecting players lies exclusively with the technical teams of the national programs, whether for the Black Stars or the Black Queens. This assertion aims to clarify the GFA’s position and alleviate concerns regarding external influences on team management.
The session in Parliament was convened to address a petition submitted by the Save Ghana Football Forum earlier this year. This petition has highlighted various issues affecting Ghanaian football, including governance and management practices.
Joining Okraku at the parliamentary sitting were GFA Vice President Mark Addo and General Secretary Prosper Harrison Addo. Their presence underscores the association’s commitment to transparency and accountability in addressing the concerns raised by stakeholders.
As the GFA navigates these challenges, Okraku’s statements reflect a broader effort to restore confidence in the management of Ghana’s national teams and to affirm the independence of the coaches responsible for player selection.
