GFA president Okraku vows to fight to minimize economic impact on clubs amid coronavirus crisis

Ghana FA president Kurt Okraku has assured clubs in the country that he is working with stakeholders to help ease the economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak.

Football activities in Ghana have been suspended due to the deadly flu-like virus crises and clubs are having to play players staff without any revenue as the game is suspended.

Several clubs in the world have asked their players and officials to take paycuts and the agitation is growing in Ghana by club owners to have similar measures taken to save them for collapse.

Mr. Okraku, who is in self-isolation following his recent travels abroad, urged Ghanaians to abide by the protocols given to them by government in the bid to stop the spread of the virus.

He also expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders of the game for their professionalism and dedication to service insisting he is working to minimize the impact of the disease.

“One can not overstate the fact that the coronavirus pandemic has brought an unprecedented challenge for members of the football industry that the football family is included in the government's stimulus package to alleviate some of the hardship on our industry,” Okraku wrote.

“As President of the Association and a club man, I know the extend of the challenges that clubs have gone through due to the current situation and the financial burden we continue to face as club owners, officials, players and as participants in the game.”

“I share in this pain. However, we must also be concerned about our health and the need to take precaution at this extremely difficult time. There is the need to remind ourselves that, it is just a phase which will soon change when we all abide by the protocols given to us by state. I urge everyone to continue to fully abide by all the protocols and the directives.“

“During this period, I am engaging with all the major stakeholders to ensure that the football family is included in the government's stimulus package to alleviate some of the hardship on our industry.”

“I will continue to positively engage the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service and Government for the advancement for our beloved sport.”

“It is unfortunate that we have to wait a little longer for our Extraordinary Congress, where some key decisions would taken to impact positively on the game.”

“I would therefore call on all of us to rally around and fight this deadly pandemic for the good of the industry.”

“Finally, I want to thank all Club owners, Administrators, Footballers, Coaches Referees, the media and everyone involved in our sport for your professionalism and dedication to service. You showed class and selflessness until the season was suspended because of COVID-19.”

“Together we will win this battle. Long live Ghana Football,” he deduced.