GFA dissolution: Government engaging FIFA, CAF – Oppong Nkrumah

Deputy Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has stated that government is taking the right measures not to attract sanctions from the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) after the dissolution of Ghana’s Football Association, (GFA).

President Akufo-Addo on Thursday dissolved the country’s football governing body after evidence of corruption was exposed in an investigative video by renowned journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas.

Over 70 professional referees and officials of the GFA were caught on tape receiving bribes to rig games and influence the selection of players into the Ghana national teams.

The GFA president Kwesi Nyantakyi also got himself involved in a dubious sponsorship deal with supposed investors and demanded close to $15 million to grease the palms of senior government officials to court favours for the sponsors against the code of the GFA, CAF and FIFA.

After screening the damaging undercover video, the government announced plans to dissolve the FA, despite a possible FIFA ban.

But speaking on Morning Starr Friday, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah said the government has tasked officials of the Sports Ministry to engage the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA so the country does not attract any possible sanction.

He added that government has taken the best approach to restore the image of Ghana football among all the options available.

“Government has taken a decision to dissolve the GFA. The decision has been taken and we are yet to execute. The law states that when a company exists and a number of infractions occur, the company can be dissolved.

“Looking at the number of referees who have been implicated, operations at the FA moving forward today will be difficult…as the decision has been taken, it is important to inform the nation and that is why the information is out there. The Sports Ministry has been charged to engage FIFA and CAF,” the Ofoase Ayirebi MP said.

According to Mr. Oppong Nkrumah, “The dissolution of the FA is a whole process. It is not a one day activity,” adding that “the CID will determine the scope of investigations.”