Manhyia South MP questions Philomon Baffour's Black Stars selection in fresh GFA criticism

Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah has questioned the selection process for Ghana's national team, asking why defender Philemon Baffour was previously called up to the Black Stars despite limited playing time.

The lawmaker's remarks came amid an ongoing public disagreement with Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kurt Okraku, who recently challenged the MP's criticism of Ghana football and asked what he had done to improve football infrastructure in his constituency.

Speaking on Luv FM, Awuah cited Baffour's case as an example of what he described as inconsistencies in player selection.

"There was a time when a certain player, Philemon Baffour, was added to our national team, even though he was not playing. What was the use? What was the plan? Where is Philemon Baffour now?" he said.

The MP argued that if the defender is now performing well, he should again be considered for the national team.

"Why hasn't he been called to the national team again, if he's really doing well? Because even when he was not doing well and playing any serious football, he was a member of our national team. So, sincerely, if he's playing, shouldn't he be in our national team?" he added.

Baffour, then a Dreams FC player, was included in Ghana's squads during the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers before earning a place in the final squad for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

His selection attracted public debate at the time, with some questioning his inclusion despite limited club appearances. The GFA, including Okraku, defended the decision, insisting the defender had earned his place on merit.

Awuah also broadened his criticism to the state of Ghana football under the current administration, saying infrastructure alone cannot solve the sport's wider challenges.

He noted that Manhyia South has three AstroTurf pitches and acknowledged that more than 100 such facilities were built nationwide during the previous government.

However, he argued that the game's deeper problems lie in player development and opportunities for young footballers.

"The fact is that there are a lot of players who don't have the desire or the passion like it was in the past because they can't play," he said.

The MP challenged Okraku to engage him publicly on the issues he has raised, saying his views are based on years of observing Ghana football.

"If Kurt wants us to debate this issue, I've observed what is happening for a long time, and I can speak to so many things," he said.

Awuah has repeatedly called for reforms in the administration of Ghana football, arguing that the sport has fallen below the standards of previous generations.

"Ghana football has collapsed; it's not doing well. This is not the Ghana football we know," he said.