Too much talk could ruin Ghana’s chances - Ben Koufie

Read Article

Comments (45)

This article is closed for comments.

Read Comments Comments (45)

KB Saka 11 years ago

Too much talk, little or no strategic planning, scouting, etc. Almost everyone in Ghana is an authority on football. Hmm...

Too much talk, little or no strategic planning, scouting, etc. Almost everyone in Ghana is an authority on football. Hmm...
KWAKU 11 years ago

I am in agreement with Mr. Koufie on some of the issues raised, but I strongly disagree with him on the need to discuss the world cup budget. The government is reportedly giving the GFA and sports ministry US$9.6 million (fr ...
read full comment

I am in agreement with Mr. Koufie on some of the issues raised, but I strongly disagree with him on the need to discuss the world cup budget. The government is reportedly giving the GFA and sports ministry US$9.6 million (free) for the world cup. Mr. Koufie knows very well that FIFA takes charge of all expenses for the tournament, and provides prize money (with minimums of US$6 million for 2006, US$8 million for 2010, and possibly, US$9 million for 2014) as well. FIFA is also providing about US$1.5 million for the 2014 world cup preparation; there are other sponsors contributing toward the world cup preparation and tournament. So maybe Mr. Koufie can justify why the government of Ghana should give the sports authorities about US$10 million with no strings attached?

On top of that, the sports authorities have not leveled with Ghanaians as to the amounts they are receiving and the purposes for their expenditures. Mr. Koufie works in some capacity at FIFA, so he can help clarify why the sports authorities reported US$11 million as the prize money for the 2010 world cup when FIFA had documented US$14 million as the round of eight prize money? Furthermore, the sports authorities purportedly returned US$2 million to the government, instead of the correct amount of, at least, US$21 million. This is a sad comment coming from Ben Koufie. Is Mr. Koufie suggesting that corruption does not matter? Is Mr. Koufie saying that going to the world cup twice before means corruption should be ignored? Does this also mean that Mr. Koufie ignored corruption during his tenure as the head of the GFA, because addressing it was going to be a distraction?

I am yet to see any authority in Ghana that is open to accountability. Neither the GFA nor the Sports Ministry has provided any budget for the world cup nor refuted the facts from FIFA contradicting the sports authorities misrepresentation of their finances. What Mr. Koufie did as the main football authority was not extra-ordinary; he did what was expected of him.

Doing what is expected of you is considered above and beyond in Ghana. This must be the reason why Mr. Koufie is beating his chest. It could very well be that Mr. Koufie's hometown does not have good drinking water or a medical facility. This US$21 million could be used to provide such amenities for Mr. Koufie's hometown and quite a few others, as well. This makes it unfathomable why Mr. Koufie may not even be willing to take up this "fight" to address corruption in the GFA. For Mr. Koufie's information, fighting corruption in the society is more important than any temporary individual achievement no matter how lofty it is. By the way, what is so "unnecessary" about doing the right thing?
GHFUO, be serious & change ur MENtali 11 years ago

i thing i admire aa for is his calmnes and peace. i know he is not capable of taking gh to brasil to win the cup. however, aa uses his quite demeanor to confuse the dumb ones who dont know any better...lol

i thing i admire aa for is his calmnes and peace. i know he is not capable of taking gh to brasil to win the cup. however, aa uses his quite demeanor to confuse the dumb ones who dont know any better...lol
OKOROMANSA 11 years ago

THANK YOU, UNCLE BEN. EVEN THE GFA IS TALKING TOO MUCH, THE MINISTER FOR SPORTS, THE COACHES, BACKROOOM STAFF AND SO ON, THEY ARE ALL TALKING. THIS FOREWARNING COMES FROOM ONE OF GHANA'S GREATS, AND LET US LISTEN TO HIM. TOO ...
read full comment

THANK YOU, UNCLE BEN. EVEN THE GFA IS TALKING TOO MUCH, THE MINISTER FOR SPORTS, THE COACHES, BACKROOOM STAFF AND SO ON, THEY ARE ALL TALKING. THIS FOREWARNING COMES FROOM ONE OF GHANA'S GREATS, AND LET US LISTEN TO HIM. TOO KNOWING IS KILLING US, ABAH!
Amada 11 years ago

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM THE MAKERS OF MODERN GHANA FOOTBALL, LISTEN TO HIM:

“This is Ghana’s third appearance at the Mundial and even in Ghana’s maiden appearance in the competition people did not behave this way. “Al ...
read full comment

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM THE MAKERS OF MODERN GHANA FOOTBALL, LISTEN TO HIM:

“This is Ghana’s third appearance at the Mundial and even in Ghana’s maiden appearance in the competition people did not behave this way. “All these discussions will confuse the whole atmosphere. How can the characters involved in the Black Stars keep a study head under this condition? If we are not careful everything would be destroyed before the World Cup. A WORD TO THE WISE IS ENOUGH!
Rabon Zee 11 years ago

Ben Kuofie was there in the begining of the begining. Let him talk. He has lots to say because he has seen it all.

In 1958 the first FA Cup final was staged at the Accra Sports Stadium between Hearts of Oak and Fabulous A ...
read full comment

Ben Kuofie was there in the begining of the begining. Let him talk. He has lots to say because he has seen it all.

In 1958 the first FA Cup final was staged at the Accra Sports Stadium between Hearts of Oak and Fabulous Asante Kotoko. Ben Koufie was there together with Dogo Moro, Gargo Moro, CK Gyamfi, Baba Yara, Amadu Akuse, Asebi Boakye, Mfum,Tettey Akrong, Salisu, Addo Odamettey, Cromwell, Kwame Adarkwa, ....... The referee was Mathias de Fanti from Togo. Hearts took an early lead 2-0. But Baba Yara's magical dribbling and Gyamfi's ruthless goal-scoring skills prevailed and Kotoko won by 4--2. And Ben Kuofie saw it all. Let him talk.

During AFCON 1963 he was there as aid-de-camp of CK Gyamfi. There was a famous picture of Gyamfi, Ben Kuofie, Emmanuel Olitey, Aggrey Fynn and Addo Odamettey watching a semi-final game between Sudan and Egypt. In this picture Gyamfi had his teeth clenched, Aggrey Fynn's face showed concern for the fate of Egypt who were losing the game but Ben Kuofie was the only one laughing. He knew that tactically Ghana will beat Sudan to win the cup.

Ben Kuofie was the commander of the Black Star squad for AFCON 1970 in Sudan. There was turmoil in the press and among the players. Osei Kofi did not go to Sudan. The bulk of Ben Kuofie's team was Hearts of Oak players and a few Kotoko players. He managed to reach the finals against Sudan but lost 0-1 on a penalty shot. Ben Kuofie learnt alot from this tournament.

On September 2012 at Alisa Hotel Ben Kuofie launched a book on soccer. The book is called "Principles of Modern Soccer Coaching." He still hoards a lot of soccer ideas in his bald head. So let the man say something whether wise, controversial, absurd or intelligent.
Ghanaba 11 years ago

Ben, Please hold your breath.. These things happen when leadership is weak... The government has no clue as to how to do things...

Ben, Please hold your breath.. These things happen when leadership is weak... The government has no clue as to how to do things...
Kwame 11 years ago

Your NPP is behind all this things. When the hunter was eating the monkeys finger he did not look at his

Your NPP is behind all this things. When the hunter was eating the monkeys finger he did not look at his
POW@Ghana 4 last 4, Brazil 2014 11 years ago

It's not just about leadership being weak, it's we Ghanaians that are week minded. We seem to know too much but we don't know nothing, so we bitch and waste time on unimportant issues. The life style of most of us are based ...
read full comment

It's not just about leadership being weak, it's we Ghanaians that are week minded. We seem to know too much but we don't know nothing, so we bitch and waste time on unimportant issues. The life style of most of us are based on hear says and what makes it worse is the fact that he who hears, says it as if he was right there when it happened. No wonder after nearly 4 years some of us are now knowing FIFA gave Ghana $14M for reaching the quarter final stage of the world cup 2010. Meaning, by the time we'll finish dealing with that, the 2018 world cup will be almost ready to take off. There were recent reports about how much the USA and some other nations have budgeted for Brazil 2014 which was far less than Ghana's. Those who published that story didn't have a scintilla of truth about it. They only saw $2M and started running with it. These things make me sick. You willingly buy gifts and take them to Ghana purposely for friends, love one's and somebody gets the gust to tell you "these things are past. Is that all you brought for me? What am I to do with this? etc etc". When one thing becomes catchy or attractive, every Tom, Dick and Harry wants to have it too. Unfortunately, it's fades out of the system in a short while. It goes on and on but I guess the real deal is for us to change our way of doing things and reasoning.
The Stallion 11 years ago

You buy something that costs $100 for someone and the next thing you know is that he has sold it for 20 Cedis!!!
Or you give someone $100, the next thing you hear is that "I gave 500,000 to my pastor to pray for me. Whaaa??? ...
read full comment

You buy something that costs $100 for someone and the next thing you know is that he has sold it for 20 Cedis!!!
Or you give someone $100, the next thing you hear is that "I gave 500,000 to my pastor to pray for me. Whaaa?????
POW@Ghana 4 last 4, Brazil 2014 11 years ago

My brother, that one is like "go commit suicide" kwraaa and be free. I gave 500k cedis to the pastor? I bet you a person like that'll never get anything from me again. "You bath your bottom finish". Lol

My brother, that one is like "go commit suicide" kwraaa and be free. I gave 500k cedis to the pastor? I bet you a person like that'll never get anything from me again. "You bath your bottom finish". Lol
RastafaraI 11 years ago

they are worse than woyome

they are worse than woyome
AGYEMAN! 11 years ago

Being it politics, soccer, "connections with its associated Kalabule"! Ghanaians have an idea! You name Otumfuo, and Ghanaians know what's wrong with him! They will tell you he's dead when he's even chilling out there! Go to ...
read full comment

Being it politics, soccer, "connections with its associated Kalabule"! Ghanaians have an idea! You name Otumfuo, and Ghanaians know what's wrong with him! They will tell you he's dead when he's even chilling out there! Go to circle and you would see MPs who're supposed to be in parliament chasing "lotto doctors" looking for winning numbers! EI NKRUMAH'S GHANA?
ma 11 years ago

thank you uncle ben for your advice

thank you uncle ben for your advice
DAN 11 years ago

IS TRUE WE TALK TOO MUCH PS LET US STOP NOW

IS TRUE WE TALK TOO MUCH PS LET US STOP NOW
Sammy 11 years ago

Ghanaians are just talking too much....Ghanaians should live the Black Stars out of their Big Mouth talk...

Ghanaians are just talking too much....Ghanaians should live the Black Stars out of their Big Mouth talk...
African 11 years ago

My Brothers and sisters , This is not strange. Ghanaians think that they are supreme to everything. In every gathering ,all you here them utter is "We are the First and the Best" They always think that other nations are just ...
read full comment

My Brothers and sisters , This is not strange. Ghanaians think that they are supreme to everything. In every gathering ,all you here them utter is "We are the First and the Best" They always think that other nations are just at stand still.
African 11 years ago

In every gathering, all you hear them utter

In every gathering, all you hear them utter
Job 11 years ago

Oh say it again , the same attitude provoked the Liberian rebels that made killed a lot of Ghanaians in Liberia during the civil war . We talk too much, we know too much , we know how to prepare a good food, oue women are th ...
read full comment

Oh say it again , the same attitude provoked the Liberian rebels that made killed a lot of Ghanaians in Liberia during the civil war . We talk too much, we know too much , we know how to prepare a good food, oue women are the best , clean and conservative, we are the best in the whole wide world. Toooooo much
Humbleman 11 years ago

Ghanaians live in past glory paradise.They should be humble and learn the saying of old adage : The first will be the last and the last will be the first. They should stop " we are this and we are that mentality . Boasting w ...
read full comment

Ghanaians live in past glory paradise.They should be humble and learn the saying of old adage : The first will be the last and the last will be the first. They should stop " we are this and we are that mentality . Boasting will lead them nowhere.
warehouse 11 years ago

YES BEN . YES ITS TRUE.SOME STUPID MEDIA MEN WHO HAVEN'T TRAVEL BEFORE
ARE TALKING . AND RELATING THEIR HOLIDAY PLEASURE IN BRAZIL TO THE MINISTER, GFA,COACH AND PLAYERS .WHY WHY. YA BREM BO.

YES BEN . YES ITS TRUE.SOME STUPID MEDIA MEN WHO HAVEN'T TRAVEL BEFORE
ARE TALKING . AND RELATING THEIR HOLIDAY PLEASURE IN BRAZIL TO THE MINISTER, GFA,COACH AND PLAYERS .WHY WHY. YA BREM BO.
JK 11 years ago

I watched the US play Mexico last night, to a 2-2 draw at home. They did not play bad. We better get it together.

I watched the US play Mexico last night, to a 2-2 draw at home. They did not play bad. We better get it together.
Prof Ato Azumah 11 years ago

Yes, we all talk too much. What we need now is to PRACTISE, PRACTISE and PRACTISE again. And play friendlies. A.A. must practise spot kicks especially penalties. This is where Portugal and Germany can edge out the Black Stars ...
read full comment

Yes, we all talk too much. What we need now is to PRACTISE, PRACTISE and PRACTISE again. And play friendlies. A.A. must practise spot kicks especially penalties. This is where Portugal and Germany can edge out the Black Stars, not wives going to Maracana. Then they are not fit playing 60 mins completely exhausted.
worried Aussie 11 years ago

Ghana will not play penalties against Germany or Portugal. Its a group stage match. Thanks. No penalties involved.

Ghana will not play penalties against Germany or Portugal. Its a group stage match. Thanks. No penalties involved.
Prof Ato Azumah 11 years ago

Penalties are taken any time in a football match. Not only after group stages. Any time it's given by a referee we must score from the spot kick.

Penalties are taken any time in a football match. Not only after group stages. Any time it's given by a referee we must score from the spot kick.
OTUMFUO 11 years ago

Talk to ashantis for me,if they dont talk about the president then they start to talk about black star team and players,they think ghana is for them,they dont feel ashame for themselves,greedy bustards.

Talk to ashantis for me,if they dont talk about the president then they start to talk about black star team and players,they think ghana is for them,they dont feel ashame for themselves,greedy bustards.
Kojo 11 years ago

Mr. Kuofi is the one talking for talking sake. These are not unnecessary issues. Just listen to him: "Ghanaians always talk too much about unnecessary issues. If it is not budget, it is about the coach and now people are dis ...
read full comment

Mr. Kuofi is the one talking for talking sake. These are not unnecessary issues. Just listen to him: "Ghanaians always talk too much about unnecessary issues. If it is not budget, it is about the coach and now people are discussing whether the players should take their wives to the World Cup or not”

Discussion and challenging of issues breed truth, discipline and accountability. We are not in a Communist country, where discussion on issues of national importance should be stiffled. So are you telling us to keep quiet while the GFA and its croonies present the tax payer with a KALABULE World cup budget? The GFA and the players are not above the law! The people have a stake in all this.
NIPA 11 years ago

I had a similar response to Ben Koufie if not the same. You did hit the nail right on the head. If we claim our democracy is on the ascendancy, then comments like these from Ben is no warranted. The kind of articles written f ...
read full comment

I had a similar response to Ben Koufie if not the same. You did hit the nail right on the head. If we claim our democracy is on the ascendancy, then comments like these from Ben is no warranted. The kind of articles written from player selection, AA is need for a technical advisor, player's demands for appearance fees, official bonuses been more than even the players and many more just defies logic, hence the need for public sentiments to ensure probity and accountability bearing in mind how impoverushed our dear country is.
k.k 11 years ago

What happens to freedom of speech then? Cant we say whatever we want now in a democratic society? Come on, people lets talk!! Lets enjoy some freedom!

What happens to freedom of speech then? Cant we say whatever we want now in a democratic society? Come on, people lets talk!! Lets enjoy some freedom!
2 PAC 11 years ago

If the players leave their wives in Ghana here,
We will fuck them. I'm telling them in advance so they won't be surprise if
hear anything when they return from Brazil.
We look better than them, smarter than them, and we fu ...
read full comment

If the players leave their wives in Ghana here,
We will fuck them. I'm telling them in advance so they won't be surprise if
hear anything when they return from Brazil.
We look better than them, smarter than them, and we fuck their wives well b'coz we get paid for it. They take very good care of us ! !
Rabon Zee 11 years ago

Say Men. That will be something if you keep your threat. That will not be a positive effort help the Black Stars win the trophy. Take it easy. All these carnal desires are vanity. The greatest playboy sage of all time, Solom ...
read full comment

Say Men. That will be something if you keep your threat. That will not be a positive effort help the Black Stars win the trophy. Take it easy. All these carnal desires are vanity. The greatest playboy sage of all time, Solomon bin Daud ( Solomon son of David ) holds the all-comers record on Earth: 1000 wives and 1002 concubines. In in the end, his soul was emaciated and his wisdom evaporated and he eventually declared " All is vanity". Easy my brother. Forget about the Black Stars' wives.
RastafaraI 11 years ago

that is true

that is true
The Son of Man 11 years ago

You haven't seen anything yet. Go to Brazil or read Brazilian newspapers. Everything from demos against the World Cup to people telling Scolari whom to select. You think Appiah is on fire, Scolari is on life support. If h ...
read full comment

You haven't seen anything yet. Go to Brazil or read Brazilian newspapers. Everything from demos against the World Cup to people telling Scolari whom to select. You think Appiah is on fire, Scolari is on life support. If he does not win the cup, he should leave Brazil
koffi kokodoko 11 years ago

Players must buy tickets for their wives,and family members not the government.

Players must buy tickets for their wives,and family members not the government.
OMANBA KWAKU 11 years ago

OLD BEN , I THINK YOU ARE RIGHT. CERTAIN DISCUSSIONS ARE NOT NECESSARY. KEEP YOUR COOL .

BLESS!

OLD BEN , I THINK YOU ARE RIGHT. CERTAIN DISCUSSIONS ARE NOT NECESSARY. KEEP YOUR COOL .

BLESS!
Iwan 11 years ago

Say it again oldman. everything we talk. Taking their wives to brasil, high appearance fees, winning bonus name it all aba sims bebrebe. dial *200#

Say it again oldman. everything we talk. Taking their wives to brasil, high appearance fees, winning bonus name it all aba sims bebrebe. dial *200#
Otoatuo 11 years ago

A WORD TO THE WISE IS ENOUGH.

A WORD TO THE WISE IS ENOUGH.
Whatever 11 years ago

I say the Ghanaian sports media houses have been irresponsible with the way they allow all manner of useless discussion on the black stars and how it's been prepared towards the world cup

I say the Ghanaian sports media houses have been irresponsible with the way they allow all manner of useless discussion on the black stars and how it's been prepared towards the world cup
Agyemang prempeh 11 years ago

Ghanafo kasa dodo but they can do just a little. Dan kwaku yeboah, u talk too much, when did u do sports during ur skool days?

Ghanafo kasa dodo but they can do just a little. Dan kwaku yeboah, u talk too much, when did u do sports during ur skool days?
ali abubaka 11 years ago

Here are my dreams about blacks stars first ghana vs usa 2:1ghana vs germeny1:0ghana vs portugal 3:2that is my dream..

Here are my dreams about blacks stars first ghana vs usa 2:1ghana vs germeny1:0ghana vs portugal 3:2that is my dream..
GFA IS SHIT 11 years ago

Keep on dreaming.

Keep on dreaming.
HAWA YAKUBU 11 years ago

Go to hell what do you want them to write about. The media should shut their minds off and not express their views on issues. Why fear the media if you are not a criminal?.

Go to hell what do you want them to write about. The media should shut their minds off and not express their views on issues. Why fear the media if you are not a criminal?.
modibo 11 years ago

Let us not defeat ourselves even before kick off!!

Let us not defeat ourselves even before kick off!!
Allotey 11 years ago

Jwemor talk pay of the highest order

Jwemor talk pay of the highest order
kwaku 11 years ago

YES I FULLY AGREE WITH YOU BECAUSE FOOTBALL IS NOT BOXING WHERE YOU CAN INTIMIDATE YOUR OPPONENTS. THE BATTLE IS WON THROUGH ADEQUATE PREPARATIONS, IDENTIFYING THE BEST PLAYERS THE NATION CAN BOAST OF, GIVING THEM PHYSICAL AN ...
read full comment

YES I FULLY AGREE WITH YOU BECAUSE FOOTBALL IS NOT BOXING WHERE YOU CAN INTIMIDATE YOUR OPPONENTS. THE BATTLE IS WON THROUGH ADEQUATE PREPARATIONS, IDENTIFYING THE BEST PLAYERS THE NATION CAN BOAST OF, GIVING THEM PHYSICAL AND MENTAL TRAINING TO BE ABLE TO OVERCOME ANY OTHER TEAM. TOO MUCH TALK COULD ATTRACT UNNECESSARY HATRED FOR THE TEAM BECAUSE IT BORDERS ON OVER CONFIDENCE OR PRIDE WWHICH NORMALLY ATTRACTS RESENTMENT FROM OTHER PEOPLE AND GOD WILL RESIST OR HUMBLE THE PROUD.
WE NEED TO SILENTLY STUDY OUR OPPONENTS AT THE GROUP STAGE, IDENTIFY THEIR STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES,PUT STRATEGIES IN PLACE TO CAPITALISE ON THESE TO OUR GREATEST ADVANTAGE. PLEASE LETS DO OUR HOME WORK WELL AND DEMONSTRATE OUR ABILITIES ON THE FIELD OF PLAY AND NOT IN THE MEDIA.

Welcome,

SIGN IN

Welcome,

RESET PASSWORD

Hello,

Terms and conditions

REGISTER

Sports

Too much talk could ruin Ghana’s chances - Ben Koufie

Read Comments .st0{display:none;fill:#14BDD3;} .st1{display:none;} .st2{display:inline;fill:#FC0F0F;} .st3{display:inline;fill:#FFFFFF;} .st4{display:inline;fill:none;stroke:#000000;stroke-width:6;stroke-miterlimit:10;} Comments (45)

Read Comments Comments (45)