“GFA DOES NOT CONTROL THE BLACK STARS FINANCE’S “- ODURO SARFO, THROW WORDS BACK AT PRESIDENT MAHAMA

An Executive Council Member of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Nana Oduro Sarfo, has swiftly responded to His Excellency John Dramani Mahama’s State of the Nation (SONA) Address delivered to Ghanaians in Parliament on Thursday 27 February, 2024.

In delivering his firt major constitutional mandate since he assumed office as president, His Excellency made it clear that, the Black Stars budget going forward will now be made public to ensure accountability. “I have instructed my office and the Minister for Sports and Recreation to hold the GFA accountable to the people of Ghana. There will be no secrecy in how much the government spends on the national teams…After all, it is the tax payer’s money that is used to fund these activities”. The President added that, “The budget presented by the GFA and other sports associations, must be known by the public”.

However, in responding to the president in an interview with Connect 97.1 FM, Nana Oduro Sarfo made it clear that the GFA does not control the Black Stars’ finances. He noted, while the association prepares and submits a budget, the Ministry of Youth and Sports is solely responsible for its approval and disbursement of the funds.

“The President has been misled in making that statement. The GFA does not spend on the Black Stars. The FA submits the budget for approval, and once approved, the Ministry handles all financial matters. If Ghanaians seek accountability, they should direct their concerns to the Ministry.” He responded.

Nana Oduro Sarfo’s remarks do not come as a surprise to many, since he has been making a number of direct responses in recent times to government in it’s quest to reset Ghana sports. He recently reponded to an issue made by appointed officials of government in relation to the sacking of coach Otto Addo. In a rebuttal to the coach’s issue, Oduro Sarfo responded in this manner, “We will not allow anybody to put pressure on us to sack Otto Addo.”

Kyei Manu

I’m a Practicing Media Personnel /Freelance Journalist. The Editor/Blogger of this portal, with interest in Sports, Environmental and other Social issues that affects society.
A member of Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) and AIPS International.