Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku has categorically refuted claims that the GFA receives financial support from the government, addressing a widespread misconception that often arises during periods of poor performance by the national teams.
In recent years, allegations have emerged accusing the FA of inflating budgets for tournaments and misappropriating taxpayer funds.
However, during his appearance before the Parliamentary Select Committee on Sports on Monday, Okraku clarified the GFA’s financial relationship with the government.
“For the record, the government of Ghana does not provide any funding to the GFA. The Ministry of Youth and Sports finances activities related to the national teams. No funds enter the GFA’s accounts from the government,” Okraku stated.
He emphasized that all funds for national teams are managed directly by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, including statutory payments, and the GFA is not involved in any financial transactions.
Okraku’s testimony came in response to a petition from the Save Ghana Football group, which had staged a demonstration following the Black Stars’ early exit from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Among their concerns was a call for increased accountability regarding funds received from both the 2022 World Cup and the 2023 AFCON.
The group also questioned the current investment strategy, arguing that an excessive amount of government funding is directed toward the Black Stars, potentially to the detriment of other national teams.
Okraku’s statements were intended to clarify these allegations, emphasizing that the Ministry of Youth and Sports is solely responsible for managing national team funds, not the GFA.
