The 29th ordinary session of Congress of the Ghana Football Association took place on Monday, July 10, 2023 at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and technology in Kumasi.
The session was graced by the President of the Ghana Football Association, Kurt E.S Okraku, Minister for Youth and Sports Mustapha Yussif, Executive Council Members and chairmen of the 16 regional football associations.
Highlighted below are some of the key takeaways from the just ended congress:
1. One key note that was deliberated on was the suspension of Obuasi AshantiGold who were expelled seasons ago for an alleged match-fixing.
At the Congress, 67 members voted in favour of the continuous suspension of the Obuasi-based club, with 17 voting against it.
This means that Miners will not be able to participate in footballing activities in the country based on the Article 17(1) of the GFA Statutes due to their involvement with banned officials, namely Kwaku Frimpong and Emmanuel Frimpong over a violation of GFA and FIFA statutes.
Dr Kwaku Frimpong was handed a 10-year ban from all football-related activities and has been fined Ghs 100,000 for his involvement in match manipulation while his son was handed an eight-year ban with a fine.
2. Again there will be a massive investment in the coaches and referees where an amount of GH300,000 will be used in payment of referees in various regions. Ex Black Star players have also been given a 50% discount on coaching courses fees.
“We will invest GHS300,000 to help in the payment of referee fees in regions. Clubs don't have to take the burden alone. One of the facilities will be a 50% discount in payment relating to the acquisition of coaching licenses to our ex-national team players," the president of the GFA said.
3. President Okraku affirms his decision to run for another term in office.According to him, he is determined to continue leading Ghana football with The GFA elections barely 3months away.
Okraku's confirmation will be key for a competitive race, as former Ghana Football Association Vice President George Afriyie and Kojo Yankah have also declared their desire to run for the presidency.
4. Congress approves GHC50,000 as filing fee.
Following the noise in the airwaves after the proposed filing fee amount was announced, it came as a surprise to many as congress approved that persons contesting for the GFA seat must pay GHC 50,000 as filing fees.
5. Division One clubs will each receive GH¢80,000 next season as incentives.
Mr Okraku added that the Ghana Football Association will provide GHC80,000 as an incentive package for the Ghana second-tier clubs ahead of the 2023/24 season.
This come as a refreshing news for the Division One League teams who have raised concerns on lack of funds in recent seasons.
6.GHC50,000 for clubs to establish Youth teams. The FA President revealed that each Ghana Premier League club will receive financial support of GHC 50,000 to establish their own youth teams.
In addition, clubs will be eligible for an additional GHC 25,000 if two of their youth players feature in more than 15 games.
"Each Ghana Premier League club is to be supported with GHC 50,000 for setting up a youth team. Clubs would also get 25,000 when two of their youth players feature in more than 15 games."
Since I took over GFA in 2019, our cash inflow has improved GFA prez Kurt Okraku at GFA Ordinary Congress live on @Starr1035Fm pic.twitter.com/9kJRslgxZR
— Betty Yawsonᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠᅠ (@iambettyyawson) July 10, 2023
