Ghana football needs deeper reforms - George Afriyie

Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) vice-president George Afriyie has called for sweeping reforms in the country's football administration, arguing that the changes needed go beyond the issues currently under discussion.

Speaking on Sporty FM, Afriyie said Ghana must address structural and governance concerns within the GFA through what he described as “proper reforms”.

He questioned whether individuals who have benefited from opportunities provided by the association could be expected to openly criticise its leadership.

“Takyi has been taken to America; he went on a ticket of the FA to America, went to Poland, so why wouldn't he speak like this?” Afriyie said.

He also suggested that Ghana could present its case to FIFA regarding the association's existing arrangements, arguing that the current structure had contributed to some of the concerns surrounding its administration.

“So the issue is about real reforms. We need to do proper reforms,” he added.

Afriyie also questioned the work of the Normalisation Committee established by FIFA in 2018 to oversee Ghana football following a major administrative crisis.

The committee was tasked with managing the GFA's daily affairs, reviewing its statutes to ensure compliance with FIFA and Confederation of African Football (CAF) requirements, and organising elections under revised statutes.

Afriyie expressed concern about the powers exercised by the GFA's Executive Committee, arguing that its authority had expanded while the number of members had been reduced.

“You see now, they've even given certain powers to the ExCo. And you know, the ExCo has been reduced from 24, 23, to now about 12. Now, the ExCo has powers to do a lot of things, without reference to the Congress of the Ghana Football Association,” he said.

He further raised questions about the GFA's corporate arrangements, alleging that the association had registered two companies and expressing concern about the selection of representatives and the allocation of shares.

“As we speak today, the GFA has gone to register two companies. Two. They've chosen their own representatives on the company registration, and given shares to an outside company,” he alleged.

“These are the things that are facing Infantino as we speak.”

The comments come amid renewed calls for changes to Ghana football's administration and governance.

The GFA identifies Congress as its supreme and legislative organ, while its Executive Committee is responsible for overseeing the association's affairs within the powers set out in its statutes.

Afriyie's remarks add to the ongoing debate about the balance of authority between Congress and the Executive Committee, as well as the need for greater accountability and transparency in the management of Ghana football.