GFA president Kurt Okraku denies GFA interference in Black Stars player selection

Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku

Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku has rejected claims that the association influences player selections for the senior national team, insisting that the responsibility rests solely with the technical handlers.

The GFA has faced criticism over the years, with sections of the football fraternity questioning the influence of its leadership in the selection of players for the Black Stars.

However, appearing before Parliament's Select Committee on Youth and Sports on Wednesday, November 4, Okraku dismissed the allegations, maintaining that the association's leadership does not interfere in the technical decisions of the national team.

“The GFA does not select players,” he said.

“If this ExCo was in the business of selecting players for coaches, I’m sure one of them would’ve come out publicly to say that this is what has been happening,” he added.

Okraku stressed that player selection remains the exclusive responsibility of the coaching staff, with the GFA's role separate from decisions on who earns a place in the national team.

His comments come amid ongoing scrutiny of the association's administration and the performance of Ghana's national teams.

The Black Stars are preparing for a return to action this month when they face Somalia in a double-header in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers at the Essipong Sports Stadium.

Ghana will be hoping to revive their qualifying campaign after a disappointing start that saw them suffer defeats against Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia in their opening two matches.

Those results have left the four-time African champions under pressure, with positive results in the upcoming fixtures crucial to keeping their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 tournament alive.