Nana Sarfo Oduro, a member of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Council, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to direct his concerns about the Black Stars’ budget to the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, rather than holding the Football Association accountable.
The Berekum Chelsea Director argues that the President was misled when he instructed the Sports Minister to hold the GFA responsible for the team’s financial matters.
Oduro explained that while the GFA prepares a composite budget, it is the Ministry of Sports and Recreation that is responsible for its approval and disbursement.
He emphasized that the GFA does not handle the funds directly. “If the President and the people of Ghana want accountability, they should focus on the Ministry, not the GFA. The Ministry is the one that manages the finances, not the Football Association,” he stated in an interview with Connect FM.
The Ministry of sports and recreation is the government body tasked with overseeing sports activities, policies, and funding in Ghana. As such, it should be the main entity held accountable for any issues related to the financial and structural aspects of sports development in the country.
While the GFA plays a vital role in football management, it has limited authority over financial matters, which fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry. Oduro insists that if there are concerns regarding the funding and management of the Black Stars, those should be directed towards the Ministry, which is responsible for approving and disbursing the budget.