Ex-players, journalists call on Dede Ayew to declare GFA Presidency bid

Black Stars legend André Dede Ayew has been called upon by some football journalists, former players, and other renowned personalities to declare his intentions regarding a possible bid for the Ghana Football Association (GFA) presidency. The former Olympique de Marseille attacker has been seen in recent times visiting various sporting events and making donations to teams and players to support their endeavours. He has also been regularly sighted at some Ghana Premier League match venues as well as national team camps, where he offers words of advice and encouragement in their quest for excellence. MPs, fans mount pressure on President Mahama to dissolve Black Stars, GFA This has triggered rumours that the former U-20 FIFA World Cup winner is eyeing the GFA presidency as the association continues to face backlash from the public. Following the dwindling fortunes of Ghanaian football, including poor performances by the various national teams and local leagues, there have been calls for the Kurt Okraku-led GFA administration to resign, or for the government to step in and dissolve the association, although this appears unlikely. This has led some outspoken media personalities and former footballers to call on Dede Ayew to make his intentions public, as they say they will back his bid to unseat Kurt Okraku and transform football for the better. Countryman Songo The sports journalist believes Dede Ayew possesses the potential to lead the GFA. “Captain André Ayew, this is the moment to step up, take a stand, and help lead the fight for a better future for Ghana football. MOPAO, Ghanaians need you now. You are a legend of the game. “I know for a fact that some teams want to sign you, and I also know you wish to continue playing football, but put that aside and come and save Ghana football. Ghanaians are calling on you to come and save Ghana football by heading the Ghana Football Association,” he said. Coach Christopher Nimley The outspoken sports journalist urged Dede Ayew to make his intentions known publicly as soon as possible. “I have been one of their biggest critics. I don't sell my conscience. I don't, because that is what I like. The day my actions destroy my own conscience, I'm a dead body, living dead. I am appealing to Andre. If there's any intention of contesting Kurt Okraku or contesting for the GFA slot, look, he should declare. “They are not a timid family. They are a very bold family. Show your face. Look, football was given to the administrators. They couldn't do it. It was given to the politicians. They failed. Now it's given to whom? The journalists? Banza,” he said. Dan Kwaku Yeboah The Peace FM sports journalist expressed full trust in Dede Ayew to change the fortunes of Ghana football as a former player. “He has seen it all, how to manage footballers and administer, unless you are someone who is not vigilant. The Black Stars coach who gave us our biggest success, CK Gyamfi, coached while still playing football. After retirement, he used the Black Stars to excel. “Even in other federations, former footballers are FA presidents. In Croatia, Davor Šuker was always their top player, but he is now their FA president, and there are others. So if Dede wants to do it, he qualifies. But for now, he is still playing, and I have not heard anything,” he said in Twi. Dominic Adiyiah The former player noted that he would support Dede’s presidential bid if he declares his intentions. “I am here in support of a change [at the GFA], and Dede Ayew has shown that he wants to do it. So I will call him and confirm his intentions. The group supporting him: I will come again, and for now, I want everybody to support Dede. I was impressed when he visited the women’s camp, which I haven't seen Kurt do yet, and he also follows the local league.” Mikel Obi The former Nigerian footballer believes Dede Ayew has the potential to transform the fortunes of Ghanaian and African football entirely. “Oh, Andre Ayew is the guy, isn't he? He's the main man, isn't he? You talk about the legends in Ghanaian football. You talk about Michael Essien, Stephen Appiah, Asamoah Gyan, the guys that I played against. Of course, then you talk about Andre. I think he's a top player. “I played against him a couple of times, I think. He's a top player, a great human being. I think if you talk about African football, I think he might be the guy who can bring some changes to Ghanaian football. So, I'm looking forward to it.” SB/EB “The Problem Is Kurt Okraku, Not the Coach” – Ghanaians React to Carlos Queiroz's Sacking Source: www.ghanaweb.com
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