Saani Daara questions GFA communication approach amid Black Stars' AFCON qualifying crisis

Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) Communications Director Ibrahim Saani Daara has criticised the association's communication strategy, saying President Kurt Okraku should not be left to personally respond to every crisis involving Ghana football.

Saani Daara said he was disappointed to see Mr Okraku defend the GFA against criticism from a Member of Parliament during a radio interview.

“Every time there’s a crisis, it’s Kurt Okraku on the radio explaining. I was hurt when Kurt was on the radio defending himself against the MP's statement,” he told Asempa FM.

The former communications director urged Mr Okraku to recognise that some issues should be handled by other officials within the association rather than by the president himself.

He said members of the GFA Executive Council and the communications team should take greater responsibility for addressing criticism and explaining the association's position.

“I also want to draw the attention of my brother [Kurt Okraku] to the fact that some issues are no-go areas. I say this because the MPs are the lawmakers in this country, and even if they say something that isn’t right, there are people at the FA whose job is to address these concerns,” he added.

Saani Daara pointed to the administration of former GFA president Kwesi Nyantakyi as an example of a period when communication responsibilities were delegated to specific officials.

“The EXCO members are not helping because if it were Kwesi Nyantakyi’s era, the Communications staff would be on the radio addressing the issues. The EXCO members seem to have left every job on his shoulders,” he said.

His comments come as the GFA faces increased scrutiny following the Black Stars' poor start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Ghana have lost both of their opening Group C matches, falling 2-0 to Ivory Coast in Bouake before surrendering a two-goal lead in a 4-2 defeat by The Gambia in Accra.

The results were followed by the departure of head coach Carlos Queiroz, who stepped down after the two defeats.

The GFA has since established a five-member committee to oversee the search for a new head coach. The committee is expected to submit its report to the Sports Ministry on Friday, 9 October.

The Black Stars are due to return to action in November when they face Somalia in a double-header at the Accra Sports Stadium.