Kurt Okraku denies GFA interference in Black Stars player selection

Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku has refuted long-standing allegations that the association's leadership or Executive Committee (ExCo) influences the selection of players for the senior national team, the Black Stars. Speaking before Parliament's Select Committee on Youth and Sports on November 4, Okraku maintained that the responsibility for assembling the squad remains the sole preserve of the technical team. He insisted that the GFA's role is to provide administrative support rather than dictate which athletes should be called up for international duty.

The GFA President's testimony was a direct response to persistent public speculation and concerns regarding the autonomy of national team coaches. Okraku emphasized that the technical staff, led by the head coach, is given full authority to identify and invite players they believe are best suited for the team's tactical requirements. By clarifying these roles, the GFA aims to address criticisms that have often surfaced when squad lists are announced, particularly during periods of inconsistent team performance.

This clarification comes at a critical juncture as the Black Stars prepare for upcoming qualifiers against Somalia for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Following two defeats in their most recent qualifying campaign, the team and its management have faced heightened scrutiny from both the public and government officials. The hearing before the Parliamentary Select Committee highlights the ongoing efforts to ensure transparency and accountability within Ghana's football governance as the nation seeks to improve its standing in continental competitions.