Ghanaians must have a say on who becomes GFA President – Dr Asafo Adjei

Renowned football analyst Dr. Kofi Asafo Adjei has strongly criticised the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for sidelining the voices of Ghanaians in critical decisions regarding the leadership of the association.

His remarks come in response to the GFA’s decision at its 31st Ordinary Congress to amend its constitution, extending the presidential term limit from two to three terms — a change that now permits a GFA President to stay in office for up to 12 years.

This has triggered widespread debate, with many questioning its impact on transparency and democratic governance in Ghanaian football.

Speaking on Luv FM, Dr. Asafo Adjei questioned the GFA’s claim of independence, arguing that its autonomy is overstated.

He contrasted it with the Ghana Medical Association, which, unlike the GFA, does not rely on government funding for its day-to-day activities.

“A group of people who think this thing belongs to us and we can do whatever we want. But let me remind them, I always say this. Being the so-called autonomy of GFA is very thin.

“I belong to a professional association called Ghana Medical Association.I’m a very proud of my association.

“We do our elections, we have our constitution, we do our things. And we can get away with certain decisions we take because we are sort of autonomous. We don’t control any government funds.

“We don’t write a budget to the government to give us any money for anything concerning GMA unless for hospitals and other things.

“But GFA is different since it manages our number one brand in terms of football in Ghana. That is the Black Stars and they are fully funded by the state.

“And you take money, huge amounts of money from government to run this product for us. So if you think our input is not important as to who manages the Black Stars, you don’t appreciate the whole picture.

“Once the GFA manages the Black Stars, we should have a say on who becomes the president.

“Once you are taking money, not even peanuts or money, millions, we go to AFCON and we build budgets running to 4 million, maybe 6 million dollars,” he said.

Read More