At the end of last Friday’s elections, there was a general sense of relief, satisfaction and excitement among delegates, NC members, observers and journalists that serenity has been restored in the football space.
The past year and half has been chaotic and challenging for Ghana football and at the height of it all Kofi Amoah was drafted in to handle a very volatile environment that was sharply divided on loyalty lines (pro-Nyantakyi and anti-Nyantakyi).
From Liaison to Normalization Committee, it has been a trying period for the renowned businessman and his subordinates with the jury still out on whether they achieved their set objectives.
Kofi Amoah has often been accused of attempting to perpetuate his stay at the FA to enjoy the reported 6,000 dollars allowance but at every opportunity prior to the elections and on the election day, he emphasized the need to for quick resolutions to all matters for the return of football.
His desire to see an end to responsibility he deemed as an ‘honour’ speaks volume of the difficulty he encountered from both media personnel and football administrators in the discharge of his duties.
He may be one of Ghana’s foremost and celebrated businessmen and his ‘Citizen Kofi’ brand has given media presence over the years but never in his life has his image and reputation been attacked like the past year.
As the head of the ad-hoc committee overseeing Ghana football, he was exposed to the harsh reality of an agenda-driven media and a football family who regarded him as a beneficiary of the scheme that ousted their beloved king.
The attacks were vicious and most often extended to areas he may not want but that is the price you pay for becoming the face of a country’s most followed sport.
On Friday, all current members of the NC took turns to deliver their final message to Ghanaians and most importantly the family they’ve been working with.
Naa Odofoley’s message focused on her love-hate relationship with the media and administrators.
Kofi Amoah insisted that irrespective of the negatives, he is honoured to have been the one to steer the affairs of the FA when it went on its knees.
“I am elated that a problem arose in my country, and I was called to help solve it. I feel proud. Before accepting something like that, you must commit yourself, and we committed ourselves. The bottom line is that one we took such a matter of national and international interest, we committed ourselves. I’m very happy and proud for the opportunity to do the work”.
He further paid tributes to staff of the GFA and appealed for an improvement in their remuneration and working conditions.
“With better organization, clear responsibilities and improved compensation, they will and can deliver for the next administration”.
He signed out with these words “Let’s respect one another and with our hearts full of love and malice towards no one. Let the actions of our past misdeeds conjure a new beginning”.
Kofi Amoah’s final speech smacks of satisfaction and pleasure from a man who feels an incredible job has done in the past year and will leave his post a proud man.