Vincent Assafuah Criticises GFA Leadership After Ghana’s Defeat to The Gambia

Ranking Member of Parliament’s Youth and Sports Committee, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, has criticised the leadership of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) following Ghana’s 4-2 defeat to The Gambia in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Mr Assafuah said the current state of Ghana football raises questions about the administration of the sport and the responsibilities of officials overseeing it.

Speaking to Akoma 87.9 FM after the match at the Accra Sports Stadium, the Old Tafo Member of Parliament expressed strong dissatisfaction with the direction of Ghana football.

He argued that the GFA’s current administration had not delivered the level of progress he believes Ghanaian football requires.

Mr Assafuah specifically criticised GFA President Kurt Okraku, with his comments adding to recent public scrutiny of the association’s leadership.

His latest remarks followed Ghana’s disappointing defeat to The Gambia, in which the Black Stars surrendered a two-goal lead before losing 4-2 at home.

Ghana initially took control of the match through goals from Ernest Nuamah and Félix Afena-Gyan, but The Gambia responded with four goals to complete the comeback.

The result was Ghana’s second consecutive defeat in the opening matches of the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign, following a 2-0 loss to Côte d’Ivoire.

Mr Assafuah said that officials responsible for Ghana football should recognise the responsibility attached to their positions and respond to concerns surrounding the sport.

He further indicated that if those responsible do not take action themselves, the Parliamentary Select Committee on Sports would continue to demand answers on issues affecting Ghana football.

His comments come amid increased discussion about the performance and administration of Ghana football following the Black Stars’ difficult start to the AFCON qualifying campaign.

Earlier in September, Assafuah had also questioned aspects of Ghana’s football administration, including expenditure and governance issues involving the GFA.

The latest criticism is expected to add to the ongoing debate about the leadership of Ghana football, the performance of the national team and the responsibilities of the various institutions involved in the administration of the sport.