Kessie suggests relocation of GFA Secretariat

Obuasi, Nov. 9, GNA - A member of the Obuasi Goldfields management team has suggested the relocation of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Secretariat outside Accra as one of the major steps towards the reorganisation of Ghana football.

Mr Gus Kessie who has played various roles in the professional management and administration of Obuasi Goldfields explained that the long-standing pressure groups at the secretariat have prevented elected GFA chairmen to perform.

"Not that Nana Sam Butler, Alhaji Jawula, Ben Kwofie and the rest are not good but there are so many high pressure groups at the GFA who do not allow elected GFA chairmen to perform," Mr Kessie stressed. This, he said, has contributed to the Black Stars not doing well because "we are not managing Ghana football well at this era of professionalism."

Speaking to the GNA Sports at Obuasi, Mr Kessie said the pressure groups have found themselves in the various GFA committees making football administration difficult.

"I support Mr Kojo Quarshie's view that as much as we recognise the immense role the old folks have played, it is time we welcome new blood to run the GFA."

The former Goldfields boss stressed: "We need to have a fresh start and whoever we elect as new GFA Chairman should be given the needed support."

Mr Kessie said the new GFA Chairman and the new secretariat outside Accra would serve the basis "for us to distance ourselves from these pressure groups."

On coaching, he said, since Ghanaians are performing well in various fields of endeavours, it is time Ghana produced the right coaches to handle the Black Stars.

"We should be able to identify the Ghanaian coaches and give them the support to help develop a standing Black Stars," Mr Kessie said. He explained that since teamwork in soccer cannot be developed within two weeks, there is the need for a standing team made up of the local players to be strengthened by the inclusion of two or three influential foreign-based players.

Mr Kessie also called on sportswriters and presenters to help in the development of football in the country by being impartial towards all clubs and also providing an even playing field for all.

The soccer administrator pleaded with sportswriters and sports presenters to go beyond recording what people say and "investigate and know how things are done so that people can learn from them to improve soccer in the country."