A Plus calls for EOCO investigation into GFA over alleged financial mismanagement

Gomoa Central Member of Parliament Kwame Asare Obeng, popularly known as A Plus, has called on the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to investigate the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and subject its financial dealings to rigorous independent scrutiny.

A Plus criticised the leadership of the football governing body, arguing that despite receiving substantial financial support from the government and international football organisations, Ghanaian football continues to disappoint supporters.

In a post on Facebook on Sunday, October 25, the independent MP drew comparisons between the achievements of Ghanaian musicians and the performance of the GFA under its president, Kurt Okraku.

He cited Shatta Wale, Sarkodie, Stonebwoy and Samini as examples of artistes who have built successful careers and made significant strides with limited government funding or backing from international organisations.

“Look at what Shatta Wale and his Shatta Movement, as well as Sarkodie, have achieved this year without government funding or backing from international organisations,” A Plus wrote.

He contrasted their achievements with what he described as the GFA’s underwhelming record despite the substantial resources available to the association.

According to the MP, the GFA’s reputation has increasingly been affected by scandals, allegations of favouritism in Black Stars selections, questionable visa arrangements and concerns about financial management.

He also pointed to the repeated disappointments experienced by Ghanaian football supporters as evidence of what he considers a failure of leadership and accountability.

Addressing Okraku directly, A Plus acknowledged their personal relationship and expressed respect for the GFA president but questioned the association’s performance.

“Kurt, you are my friend, and I hold you in high regard. But tell me, how do you feel watching these individuals achieve remarkable success with limited institutional support while you and your organisation, despite the enormous resources at your disposal, continue to fail woefully?” he asked.

The MP insisted that his criticism was directed at the institution’s performance rather than Okraku’s personal abilities, arguing that the GFA had become ineffective and disappointing.

“You are not a useless man. Far from it! But in my view, you are presiding over an institution that has become painfully ineffective, practically useless and profoundly disappointing,” he added.

A Plus subsequently called on EOCO to turn its attention to the GFA, investigate any credible evidence of wrongdoing and ensure that the association’s financial transactions are independently examined.

He also referenced past investigations involving FIFA, saying they should serve as a reminder that football institutions must remain accountable.

His comments come amid continuing public debate over the administration of Ghanaian football, the management of public resources and the results delivered by the country’s national teams, especially, the Black Stars, who failed to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in the last edition for the first time in over two decades and have endured a poor start to the 2027 AFCON qualifiers with back-to-back defeats against Ivory Coast and The Gambia.

Ghanaian football has faced scrutiny over its performances, governance and financial arrangements, with supporters and stakeholders frequently demanding greater transparency and improved results.

A Plus argued that Ghana does not lack football talent, passion or resources, but needs transparency, responsible leadership and measurable outcomes that justify public investment.

“Ghanaian football does not lack talent, passion or resources. What it desperately needs is transparency, responsible leadership and measurable results that justify the enormous public investment,” he wrote.

He ended his post with a direct appeal to EOCO to act, calling for greater accountability in the management of the country’s football administration.

The allegations and criticisms expressed by A Plus do not, in themselves, establish wrongdoing by the GFA. Any investigation would be expected to determine whether there is credible evidence of financial misconduct.