Government must demand for reforms to GFA Constitution - Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah

The Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, has called for major reforms to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Constitution, accusing some individuals within the football administration of treating the sport as a private business.

The lawmaker believes the government must take steps to reform the structures governing Ghanaian football and says FIFA regulations should not be used as a reason to prevent such changes.

“Our football has become an avenue for business for people who call themselves football people. I think the government should step in. We need to reform the GFA Constitution,” he told Citi FM.

Agyei Baffour Awuah also alleged that the GFA has been taken over by a small group of individuals, describing the situation as a “cabal”.

“Forget about FIFA. It is only in Ghana that they threaten us with FIFA. Go and check the other associations; it is broader than ours. Ours have been hijacked; it’s been seized by a cabal,” he said.

His comments come amid ongoing debate over the relationship between the government and football authorities, particularly the extent to which the state should be involved in the administration and financing of the sport.

The MP also questioned the relationship between the GFA and the Ministry of Sports, suggesting that political interests may be influencing the running of football in the country.

He has therefore urged President John Mahama to intervene and support reforms to the GFA's governing framework.

“The President should step in. Ghana cannot fund the business of individuals who call themselves football people,” he added.

• GFA president responds

GFA president Kurt Okraku has responded angrily to the MP's comments, rejecting his call for constitutional reforms.

Okraku questioned Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah's authority to demand changes to the GFA Constitution, saying the lawmaker has no locus to make such a demand.

The dispute adds to the wider debate over the governance of Ghanaian football, with questions continuing to be raised about the GFA's independence, its relationship with government and the role of public funding in supporting the sport.