By Agbaxode Emmanuel
Akatsi (VR), Oct. 2, GNA – Mr Eric Eli Adzie, a sports journalist and football administrator, has argued that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) cannot be dissolved by the government solely because of the Black Stars’ performance.
Mr Adzie said calls for the dissolution of the GFA following the national team’s poor performance were not supported by the constitutional and institutional framework governing football administration in Ghana.
He made the observation in a statement issued after sections of the public called for the dissolution of the GFA over the Black Stars’ recent performances.
He said the GFA was an established football governing body with its own statutes, governance structures and Congress, adding that its dissolution was subject to a procedure outlined in the Association’s statutes.
Mr Adzie said the current GFA Statutes provided that a decision to dissolve the Association required a three-quarters majority of its members at a Congress specially convened for that purpose.
He said although the performance of the Black Stars could legitimately trigger discussions on accountability, technical management, player development, scouting and investment, such concerns should not automatically be equated with the dissolution of the GFA.
Mr Adzie said the GFA’s mandate extended beyond the senior national team to include the administration and development of football across the country.
According to him, the Association was responsible for the organisation and administration of the Ghana Premier League, Division One League, FA Cup and other national competitions, as well as the development and administration of national teams, including youth and women’s teams.
He said the GFA’s membership also reflected the broader football structure, comprising clubs, Regional Football Associations, schools and colleges, players, referees, coaches, beach soccer, futsal and other football stakeholders.
“Therefore, poor performance by the Black Stars cannot automatically be equated with the collapse or illegitimacy of the entire GFA,” he said.
Mr Adzie said there could be legitimate questions about the management of the national teams and other aspects of football administration, but accountability should be pursued within the law, the 1992 Constitution, the GFA Statutes and other applicable regulations.
He said where there was evidence of a breach of the Constitution, legislation, GFA Statutes or other regulations, the specific breach should be identified and addressed through the appropriate legal and institutional processes.
Mr Adzie also rejected calls for the resignation of Mr Kurt E.S. Okraku, President of the GFA, based on the Black Stars’ performance, saying sporting disappointment alone did not establish wrongdoing.
He urged stakeholders to distinguish between frustration over the performance of the national team and the constitutional and institutional processes governing the administration of football in Ghana.
Mr Adzie said Ghana football required accountability, development and proper governance, but cautioned against actions driven solely by disappointment over sporting results.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: Agbaxode Emmanuel
Email address: [email protected]