President of Dreams FC Kurt Edwin Simon Okraku has expressed his shock over government’s decision to dissolve the Ghana Football Association following the public screening of controversial investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas’ documentary titled Number 12.
The documentary exposed the corruption in Ghana sports, especially the Ghana Football Association where some leading members and referees were captured taking bribe – including some collecting as little as GH¢200 ($42) – to influence match results in the domestic league as well as influence national team selection.
In the wake of the alarming documentary, Information Minister, Mustapha Hamid, issued a press statement indicating that they are taking steps to dissolve the nation’s football governing body.
Just hours after Mr Hamid’s presser, Sports Minister Isaac Asiamah contradicted the government by declaring on several platforms that the association has been dissolved.
Speaking to Ohene Bampoe–Brenya on Happy FM‘s Anopa Bosuo Sports, Mr Okraku, who doubles as an Executive Committee member of the Ghana FA, was dumbfounded by the decision of the government, though he urged everyone to stay calm as they try to put their house in order.
“We are pleading with everyone to exercise patient. I don’t think everything is destroyed or collapsed,” Mr Kurt told Happy FM.
“I was surprised by the government directives to dissolve the GFA.”
“President Nana Akufo Addo is a man of wisdom and I believe we will find a solution to these problems.”
“We are all humans so I will advice everyone not to rejoice over someone’s misfortune. This is a challenging time for us as football people.”
“We have been meeting every day since the Anas Exposè came out. So if it is possible for us to meet today, we will meet as usual.”
The dissolution is likely to attract a FIFA ban as its rules oblige member associations to manage their own affairs “independently and with no influence from third parties.”
FIFA banned Nigeria in 2014 after its High Court disbanded the Football Association after a poor showing at the World Cup in Brazil.
A ban would mean no Ghanaian team, including club sides, can play in regional, continental or international competitions.
By: Ayishatu Zakaria Ali
