Ben Koufie promises to be firm

The 21st chairman of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Mr Ben Koufie and three of his six-member Board, were sworn into office on Thursday as he promised to "meet fire with water".

"Certain decisions have to be taken, I know some will be offended, but we have to offend people to achieve our goal", Mr Koufie told the gathering which include two previous past chairmen, Nana Sam Brew Butler and Alhaji Mohammed Nuru Deen Jawula, at the GFA secretariat.


Mr Abedi Ayew Pele, one of the government's nominees and a member of the association has travelled outside the country while Mr Worlanyo Agra, General Secretary has been removed from office.


The four members present at the swearing in ceremony were, Ben Koufie, Chairman, Emmanuel Owusu Ansah, Vice, Mr Yaw La-Danso Addo and Sylvester Mensah, members.


"If it means stepping on the toes of some people to move Ghana football forward, we will do that", the Chairman said.


He said he was coming into office at a time when Ghana football was shrouded in uncertainties; and when past administrators have been accused of mal-administration among other allegations, adding that "but I am not deterred or afraid because with the determination of every one we will succeed".

The 69 year-old former Black Stars coach cum player said he would hold a Strategic Planning Workshop at Winneba on Thursday, August 16 to outline his vision which he hope would become the blueprint to develop soccer in the country.


He urged the media to crosscheck facts with the GFA before they are either published or aired.


"We need to move forward by removing all stumbling blocks and put forward a realistic plan of progress and to respect international norms of the game", Mr Koufie said.


Mr A. Y. Ibrahim, Executive Council Chairman debunked the rumours that Agra has been sacked and said the position of the general secretaryship would soon be advertised and he could reapply.


He urged the new administration to improve the image of the GFA and come out with attractive conditions of service for staff to entice qualified professionals.