...Calls for fresh nominations

A football enthusiast and sports philanthropist, Mr Alfred Woyome, has called on the Kwasi Nyantekyi led GFA administration to reject the recommendations of the Elections Committee which have been endorsed by the Executive Committee disqualifying all contestants vying for the presidency of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) except the incumbent.

According to him, it raises suspicion about the fairness and transparency in the election of a GFA president who signifies the soul of football in the country . According to him, the only option for the football authority to redeem its image in this bizarre outcome and to demonstrate its commitment to uphold democratic principles within the association, is to open fresh nomination to allow all contestants to apply. He also suggested that regional elections should be the platform for the national level elections. He advised the GFA executives to let the larger interest of Ghanaian football fans be above their individual interest to avoid creating mistrust and acrimonies among sports administrators that are likely to affect the growth of the sports. He warned of great consequences for the country if care is not taken to resolve this deliberate attempt by the GFA executives to prevent individuals from competing with Mr. Nyantekyi, stressing that the sports arena should not turn into power struggle by greedy and selfish individuals.

He called on all football enthusiasts to be concerned about the happenings in the GFA because football is the only game that unites us as a country and must be protected. He reminded GFA executives that it is their duty to build the confidence of football in Ghana to help attract sponsorship for clubs as well help to attract supporters to watch matches for its sustenance.

He noted that there is no doubt that the GFA chairman, Mr.Kwasi Nyantekyi has chalked some success in the history of football administration in Ghana so he must ensure that the contest is fought on a level field and not through eliminations.

“He must not do anything to suggest that he is using crook and unacceptable means to disenfranchise his opponents to enable him contest unopposed. He questioned the motive behind spending about $400,000 to send club chairmen to watch the Ghana –England match when such an amount could be used to support local sports administration. This action taken by GFA can be said to be an inducement to vote for a particular candidate,” he stated.

It should be noted that, the GFA has a responsibility to ensure that FIFA’s basic principle governing the organization, administration and financing of football statutes and regulations, democratic election of governing bodies, legality, competency, probity, mutual respect, responsibility, trust, communication, transparency, fair play, solidarity, protection of sportsmen and sportswomen’s health and the promotion of friendly relations are achieved. GFA operations have been shrouded in secrecy under the umbrella of FIFA’s fight to insulate associations from governmental controls. Ironically, government commits huge sums of financial support to sports at all levels yet decisions to demand accountability and probity are considered as interference in the operations of the FA.

Football administrations throughout the world have come under series of investigations to clear allegations of corruption, in order to ensure transparency and accountability in line with the principles governing football management. This is also to ensure fair and transparent financial management practices and even small businesses are required to operate in transparency to meet statutory laws.