A Plus calls on EOCO to investigate GFA finances

Gomoa Central MP Kwame Asare Obeng, popularly known as A Plus, has called on the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to investigate the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and subject its financial dealings to independent scrutiny.

The independent Member of Parliament criticised the association's leadership, questioning why Ghanaian football continues to struggle despite receiving financial support from the government and international football organisations.

In a Facebook post on Sunday, 25 October, A Plus compared the GFA's performance under president Kurt Okraku with the achievements of Ghanaian musicians Shatta Wale, Sarkodie, Stonebwoy and Samini.

He argued that the artistes had built successful careers and made significant progress without the level of institutional support available to the country's football authorities.

“Look at what Shatta Wale and his Shatta Movement, as well as Sarkodie, have achieved this year without government funding or backing from international organisations,” A Plus wrote.

He questioned the GFA's record despite what he described as the considerable resources at its disposal, citing concerns over governance, financial management, alleged favouritism in Black Stars selections and questionable visa arrangements.

Addressing Okraku directly, the MP acknowledged their personal relationship but challenged the GFA president to account for the association's performance.

“Kurt, you are my friend, and I hold you in high regard. But tell me, how do you feel watching these individuals achieve remarkable success with limited institutional support while you and your organisation, despite the enormous resources at your disposal, continue to fail woefully?” he asked.

A Plus stressed that his criticism was directed at the institution rather than Okraku personally, arguing that the GFA had failed to meet public expectations.

“You are not a useless man. Far from it! But in my view, you are presiding over an institution that has become painfully ineffective, practically useless and profoundly disappointing,” he added.

The MP urged EOCO to investigate any credible evidence of wrongdoing and ensure that the GFA's financial transactions are subjected to independent examination. He also referred to past investigations involving FIFA as a reminder of the need for accountability in football administration.

His comments come amid growing public concern over the management of Ghanaian football, particularly following the Black Stars' failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Ghana endured a disappointing qualifying campaign, finishing bottom of their group without a win. The team has also made a poor start to the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, suffering consecutive defeats against Ivory Coast and The Gambia.

The national team's results have intensified scrutiny of the country's football administration, with supporters and stakeholders calling for improved performances, greater transparency and better use of available resources.

A Plus argued that Ghana had the talent, passion and financial resources needed to develop its football, but insisted that these must be matched by responsible leadership and measurable results.

“Ghanaian football does not lack talent, passion or resources. What it desperately needs is transparency, responsible leadership and measurable results that justify the enormous public investment,” he wrote.

He concluded by appealing directly to EOCO to examine the association's affairs and ensure accountability in the management of Ghanaian football.

The MP's allegations do not establish that the GFA has engaged in financial misconduct. Any investigation would need to establish whether there is credible evidence of wrongdoing.