GFA is not accountable to only FIFA - Arthur

Mr. Oteng Arthur, a member of the Public Interest Committee (PIC) of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has said the GFA was not only accountable to the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) but government as well.

Quoting from sections of the Standard Cooperation Agreement of FIFA, which was adopted in 2007, Mr Arthur, said “so far as government commits funds to the activities of GFA, it has the right to demand accountability.


“Demanding for accountability is not interference because it is stated in the statutes of FIFA,” he stated on Thursday, when he appeared before the Justice Senyo Dzamefe Presidential Commission of Inquiry.


According to Mr. Arthur, the agreement also makes provision for the GFA and government to discuss the finances of the former to ensure good governance in the administration of football.


Commenting on the operations of the PIC, Mr Arthur said that his outfit was not able to function effectively since its inauguration in 2011.


He said there were several factors that militated against the functions of the PIC.

Mr. Arthur pointed out that, “there were people in the GFA who ensured the PIC did not function.


“My Lord, it seemed the FA was not comfortable with the presence of the PIC, because it was formed out of public agitations though it is in the statutes.


“I think it was just formed to satisfy a constitutional requirement, but not to execute its functions as stated in the constitution”.


The GFA, in 2011 formed the a five-member PIC in accordance with Article 70 of its statutes, to liaise with the Ministry of Youth and Sports to facilitate the necessary means required for building the national football teams, ensure provision of funds by the Government for purposes of building the national football teams.


It was also mandated to formulate policies, which are necessary for building strong national teams, in accordance with directives of the Executive Committee and the Ministry as well as other functions as ascribed by the Executive Committee with respect to the Protocol on GFA/Government relations.