GFA does not select players for National teams- Kurt Okraku

The President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, has dismissed allegations that the GFA selects players for the national team.

The responsibility for player selection, he clarified, lies with the technical team of the Black Stars, led by Coach Otto Addo.

Mr. Okraku emphasized that any coach who allows external influence in player selection would face dismissal.

Speaking at a Parliamentary Select Committee on Youth and Sports’ public hearing to address a petition from the “Fix Ghana Group.”

The group organized a demonstration in Accra after the Black Stars’ early exit from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Mr. Okraku expressed disappointment that the group had not engaged with the GFA leadership before petitioning Parliament and taking to the streets.

He welcomed the hearing as an opportunity to explain the issues and clear up misconceptions.

Mr. Okraku also addressed concerns about referee compensation, explaining that referees in Ghana are not full-time employees and hold other jobs.

“Payments to referees are made after matches, in line with global practices,” he said.

He stressed that it is improper for any referee to know match results before officiating, underscoring the integrity of the sport.

Chairman of the Committee on Youth and Sports, Hon. Kobena Mensah Woyome, stated that the purpose of the hearing was to gather the GFA’s perspective before presenting a report to the Speaker of Parliament.

One key issue raised during the session was the payment of $100,000 to the GFA’s Management Committee members as bonus.

In response, Dr. Randy Abbey, a management member of the GFA, explained that financial matters, including tournament budgets and qualifying fees, are handled by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Dr.Abbey noted that the GFA management does not receive salaries or allowances for their work and criticized the tendency to hold the GFA accountable only in times of failure, without recognizing their efforts in times of success.

Presentations were also made by the Association of Referees and veteran coaches during the session.