Manhyia South MP calls for GFA constitutional reforms over alleged ‘private business’

The Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, has called for major reforms to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Constitution, arguing that government must take a more active role in addressing concerns within the country’s football administration.

Agyei Baffour Awuah accused some individuals within Ghanaian football of turning the sport into what he described as a private business and urged President John Mahama to intervene.

“Our football has become an avenue for business for people who call themselves football people. I think the government should step in. We need to reform the GFA Constitution,” he told Citi FM.

The MP also claimed that the GFA had been “hijacked” by a group he described as a “cabal”.

“Forget about Fifa. It is only in Ghana that they threaten us with Fifa. Go and check the other associations; it is broader than ours. Ours have been hijacked; it’s been seized by a cabal,” he said.

Fifa regulations generally require member associations to manage their affairs independently and without undue interference from third parties, including government.

However, Agyei Baffour Awuah questioned Ghana’s reliance on Fifa regulations when discussions about reforming the GFA arise.

He also raised concerns about the relationship between the GFA and the Ministry of Sports, suggesting that political interests could have an influence on the administration of football.

The MP said government should therefore consider changes to the structure and governance of the GFA, arguing that the state should not continue to finance what he described as the interests of individuals within football.

“The President should step in. Ghana cannot fund the business of individuals who call themselves football people,” he added.

Kurt Okraku responds

GFA president Kurt Okraku has strongly rejected the MP’s comments and questioned his authority to demand reforms to the association’s constitution during an interview with Asempa FM.

Okraku responded angrily to the claims, saying Agyei Baffour Awuah had no locus to call for changes to the GFA Constitution, demanding if the MP has an astro turf in his constituency.

“How many pitches have you constructed for your constituents to play on? That’s where the real issue is,” the GFA President said.

The exchange comes amid renewed debate over the governance and financing of Ghanaian football, with questions continuing to be raised about the relationship between government and the country’s football governing body.

The GFA, as Ghana’s football association, operates under its own statutes and is affiliated to Fifa and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).