Do you blame Akufo-Addo when someone steals plantain? - Fred Achie to critics of GFA over RTU scandal

Frederick Acheampong, a member of the Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association, has argued that the association cannot be blamed for the embarrassing incident that disrupted the Ghana Premier League match between Dreams FC and Real Tamale United on June 12, 2024.

Speaking on Kessben FM, Acheampong, known as Achie in football circles, asserted that the Ghana Football Association has provided rules and regulations to address the situation that led to some players of Real Tamale United boycotting the match.

In his opinion, since the FA has made provisions for a credible and competitive league, it cannot be held accountable for a club's failure to adhere to them.

He explained that the FA can only be blamed if it fails to punish clubs that violate the rules and regulations governing the Ghana Premier League.

"The GFA can only initiate laws to govern the sport. In Ghana, our law stipulates that persons who steal and kill are imprisoned, so how can you blame President Akufo-Addo when someone steals plantains?

"For example, RTU signed a professional contract with its players, and they agreed to play for the club. If the club defaults on salary payments, the correct course of action is to report them to the Players' Status Committee of the FA. But if you sit in Tamale and decide not to honor a match, then we shouldn't blame Kurt Okraku and the GFA," he said.

The Ghana Premier League suffered another blow to its credibility after a case of impersonation occurred during the match between Dreams FC and RTU.

RTU bizarrely turned up for the game at Dawu with players who were not registered but wore the jerseys of those who were.

The match proceeded and ended with an 8-1 victory for Dreams FC.