Manhyia South MP Nana Baffour Awuah hits back at GFA president Kurt Okraku

Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah has hit back at Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kurt Okraku following a public disagreement over the direction of Ghana football.

The dispute began after the MP called for reforms in football administration and accused the GFA of being controlled by what he described as a “cabal”.

Speaking on Citi FM, Nana Baffour Awuah urged President John Mahama to take steps to address what he believes are challenges affecting the development of the sport.

Okraku later responded in a radio interview, questioning the MP’s knowledge of football administration and asking how many pitches he had constructed for his constituents in Manhyia South in the Ashanti Region.

Nana Baffour Awuah responded by saying his constituency already has three AstroTurf pitches, while insisting that the debate should focus on the wider issues facing Ghana football.

Speaking to Luv FM, the MP also questioned the business interests surrounding football administration and raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

“This is the first time we have an FA President who has four clubs, and these clubs, they’re business for him. What do you think he would do?” he said.

Nana Baffour Awuah also raised concerns about opportunities for players and selection into the Black Stars, citing the case of former Ghana international Philemon Baffour.

“There are a lot of players who have lost the desire to play because they can’t play,” he said.

“There was a time Philemon Baffour was added to the Black Stars even though he wasn’t playing. Where is he now? If he’s playing now, he should be part of the team.”

The exchange has added to an ongoing public debate about the administration and development of Ghana football, including grassroots infrastructure, player development, national-team selection and the running of the domestic game.