Black Stars: Akonnor's call ups will always be scrutinized by Executive Council - GFA President Kurt Okraku

Ghana Football Association (GFA) president, Kurt Okraku has refuted media speculations suggesting players were imposed on CK Akonnor, who is the head coach of the Black Stars.

Akonnor, 47, who has been in charge for the past one year is said to be unhappy due to the frustration and interference from the hierarchy of the country's football giverning body.

It has been reported that Kurt Okraku forces Akonnor to invite his players to the national team.

However, Mr Okraku denied the rumours, saying nobody imposes players on Charles Akonnor but said Akonnor's call up will always be interrogated.

He reiterated his claim to assure Ghanaians that the Black Stars boss has been given the freedom to operate, contrary to media speculations.

“Call-ups for all national teams go through processes and these people [Ghanaians] must understand," he told Joy Sports.

"Gone were those days where one person will wake up one day and there is a call-up. It will never happen again.

“The coach and his team will work with the technical directorate to pick up a squad and if they are convinced about the squad, they need to convince the management of the team about the squad.

“Finally, there will always be a meeting, some I may attend or any other I pick to attend, and when there is a consensus the squad is announced by the head trainer. This is a system that is administered everywhere in the world.”

He, however, added that; “If a coach wants a player, the player comes”.

Okraku added that he has a great relationship with Akonnor, with the two having previously worked together at Ghana Premier League outfit Dreams FC.

And that, he and his Executive Council trust the judgement of Akonnor, saying “If we [GFA Executive Council] don’t [trust the judgement of Akonnor], he will not be there.”

Akonnor is the first Black Stars coach appointed by Kurt Okraku-led GFA administration. He was handed the job in January 2020 after the association decided not to renew the mandate of Kwesi Appiah.

Since his appointment, Akonnor has been involved in six games. He has recorded three wins, two defeats and a draw.

Last month, he secured qualification to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations [Afcon] tournament to be staged in Cameroon next year.

Akonnor has been tasked to win the trophy and end Ghana’s 39 years trophy drought.

The 2021 Afcon will be hosted in Cameroon.