GFA welcomes suggestions for success of Black Stars

Accra, Nov. 10, GNA - The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has stated that it welcomes suggestions from all quarters aimed at making the Black Stars' World Cup campaign in Germany a success.

It however re-affirmed that none of the attributions in the Graphic Sports and the Sun of London about the appointments for the national team of South Africa's Danny Jordaan and Andy Cole of England are official positions of the FA.

Mr Kofi Nsiah, General Secretary of the GFA in a Press release copied to the GNA Sports said the recent rumours about the appointments and may other suggestions by way of personal calls, letters and through the print and electronic media are not decisions of the GFA. The release said it however disapproves of any attempt to make such suggestions, as in the case of Jordaan and Cole that seem to appear like decisions already taken by the Association.

Mr Nsiah said the Association wishes to advise its 'media partners' to endeavour to draw a clear distinction between their suggestions or advice to the FA and what officially comes out of the Board. In a related development, the GFA scribe said the FA officially recognises the unique sacrifices of the players, technical team and management of the Black Stars on the maiden qualification of the Stars to the FIFA World Cup.

He said it has been noted that with growing concern certain disturbing issues arising from the qualification as to takes the credit for the feat.

Mr Nsiah said the FA also appreciates the massive contributions of the Government, the Ministry of Education and Sports, Gold Fields Ghana Limited ( Tarkwa/Damang), the headline sponsor of the Black Stars and Guinness Ghana Breweries (official beverage sponsor of the Stars). He said these and other corporate entities have been of immense help in ensuring the current success of the Black Stars.

The General Secretary said "engaging in discussions as to who should take the credit or not, without due credit to the team and the association's corporate partners could have the unfortunate effect of our sponsors feeling marginalized".

Mr Nsiah said the FA is consequently requesting that such discussions and write ups should be handled with great circumspection so that the Association and country can continue to enjoy the healthiest of relationships with her sponsors and also attract more support from corporate Ghana.