By: Nana Kwame Bediako
Alhaji Karim Grusah, the owner of King Faisal Football Club, has publicly criticised the Ghana Football Association (GFA) under the leadership of Kurt Okraku.
Speaking during an interview on Asempa FM, Grusah accused the GFA of prioritising personal and financial interests over the welfare of Ghanaian football. His remarks come at a time when the national team is facing significant challenges, including failing to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time in two decades.
Grusah’s critique was pointed and unyielding, describing the current administration as one driven by favoritism and personal connections. He emphasised that the GFA’s focus appears to be more on enriching its members than fostering the growth of football in Ghana.
“The administration of Kurt Okraku is a selfish administration,” Grusah stated, highlighting concerns that the leadership is more concerned with inviting players to the national team for the purpose of selling them for profit rather than building a competitive squad.
The implications of Grusah’s statements are significant, particularly in light of Ghana’s recent struggles on the international stage. The national team, once a powerhouse in African football, has seen a decline in performance, culminating in their failure to qualify for AFCON. This has raised questions about the GFA’s management and strategic direction, with many fans and stakeholders calling for accountability and change.
As the national team now shifts its focus to the World Cup qualifiers, the criticism from Grusah underscores a growing frustration among supporters and former players. Many are calling for a reevaluation of the GFA’s policies and practices to ensure that the interests of the players and the future of Ghanaian football are prioritised.