President J. A. Kufuor yesterday expressed gross dissatisfaction with the executive of the Ghana Football Association over the way football has been administered in the country.
The President, a keen sports fan, was of the view that the various negative incidents that have been associated with Ghana football in recent times do not augur well for the development of the sport.
The President, who was speaking after the management and players of Accra Hearts of Oak had presented to him the five trophies they won during last season, retorted, “We want football to thrive and thrive well.”
He hinted that government would ensure that programmes and policies are in place to develop sporting activities in the country.
He commended the management and playing body of the club for making Ghana proud by winning continental and local honours.
This achievement, he emphasised, is worthy of recognition since Hearts are the premier club of Ghana.
He urged the club to be proud of its achievements and said the government would support it in its drive to achieve more laurels for the nation.
The President advised the management to continue to rejuvenate the club by giving young players the opportunity to play alongside the senior ones.
Mr Ato Ahwoi, Board Chairman of Hearts, recalled the numerous achievements the club chalked over the past year.
He said the club won virtually every available trophy they competed in last year.
Among the Hearts officials present were Mr Harry Zakour, Chief Executive; Ernest Bediako, Vice-Chairman; Ernest Thompson, Board Secretary; Mr E.M. Commodore-Mensah; Alhaji Hearts, Thomas Okine, Team Manager; Jones Attuquayefio and Offei Ansah, both coaches.
