'For the record, the government of Ghana doesn’t give GFA any money' – Kurt Okraku

Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku has denied allegations that the government provides the FA with money.

These claims often surface when Ghana's national teams underperform, with critics accusing the FA of misusing taxpayer funds.

In recent years, the FA has been accused of inflating tournament budgets for personal gain.

However, during a Parliamentary Select Committee hearing on Monday, Okraku made it clear that the GFA has no control over finances related to national teams.

"For the record, the government of Ghana doesn’t give GFA any money. The Ministry of Youth and Sports funds national team-related activities. No money comes into the GFA’s coffers from the government," Okraku said.

He explained that the Sports Ministry handles all financial aspects, including budgets and payments for tournaments and qualifiers. An accountant from the Ministry oversees these costs, with the GFA having no involvement.

"Monies used for national teams are paid to the Ministry of Youth and Sports. They make all statutory payments. No cedi comes to the FA," Okraku added.

Okraku's appearance before the Parliamentary Select Committee followed a petition from the Save Ghana Football group, who held a demonstration after the Black Stars' early exit from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Among their concerns were calls for accountability on the funds received from the 2022 World Cup and the 2023 AFCON.

The group also criticized the current investment approach, arguing that too much taxpayer money goes into the Black Stars, often at the expense of other national teams. They suggested that the GFA should work with the National Sports Authority on budget planning, as the NSA is the body legally responsible for such matters.