Another Anas Exposé Looms Over Ghana Football? — Dr. Frank Owusu Ansah (Naro)

Dr. Frank Owusu Ansah, popularly called Frank Naro of Kessben Sports, has expressed concerns about a potential ban from FIFA, warning of the possibility of another exposé similar to the one that rocked Ghana football in 2018. He believes the Ghana Football Association’s recent decision to approve a three-term limit for its presidents may be tailored to favor the current President, Kurt Okraku, potentially leading to an abuse of power.

The GFA’s 31st Ordinary Congress approved a proposal for a three-term limit, triggering speculation that Okraku might seek re-election for a third term. Dr. Owusu Ansah believes this move could concentrate too much power in the president’s hands. “Given the power and authority Kurt has amassed in his 6th year, particularly evident at the Congress, I wonder how powerful he’ll be and how miserable the members of the association will be if he should go for a third term,” Dr. Owusu Ansah stated.

Dr. Owusu Ansah believes the three-term proposal is specifically designed to benefit Okraku. “I strongly believe the three-term limit was proposed to benefit Kurt, as he’s the only potential GFA president who would otherwise be ineligible due to term limits,” he said, highlighting concerns about potential favoritism.

He drew parallels between Kurt’s amassed power and authority and Kwesi Nyantakyi’s in his time, which stifled dissenting voices within the association. Dr. Owusu Ansah noted that Kwesi’s pursuit of a fourth term as president was met with widespread criticism from stakeholders and the public, but he disregarded their concerns and was perceived as power-hungry. This ultimately led to Anas and others seeking accountability, culminating in the exposé on corruption.

The Congress was marred by controversy, with reports emerging that Kurt’s administration forbade association members like Raphael Gyambra and retired referee George Saijah from expressing their concerns. Additionally, the media was denied access to the Congress Hall, despite earlier indications that they would be allowed in. This move has raised questions over the GFA’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

The veteran sports journalist also criticized the GFA for not responding to letters from King Faisal and New Edubiase seeking clarification on the clubs that proposed the third term. “It was disrespectful for the GFA not to respond to the letters from both King Faisal and New Edubiase, which sought clarification on the clubs that proposed the third term. If these clubs also refuse to answer GFA queries in the future, what will be their reaction?” Dr. Owusu Ansah questioned, highlighting what he saw as double standards within the association.

Dr. Owusu Ansah expressed doubt about Okraku’s claim that he’s not considering a third term, saying, “Even though he says he’s not given it a thought, I will be extremely surprised if Kurt Okraku does not go for a third term.” The possibility of another Anas exposé looms large over Ghana football, with many stakeholders anxiously watching the situation unfold.

The 2018 exposé by Anas Aremeyaw Anas led to significant changes in Ghana football, including the resignation of then-GFA President Kwesi Nyantakyi and a FIFA ban. Dr. Owusu Ansah’s warnings serve as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in sports administration. As the GFA navigates these challenges, it remains to be seen whether the organisation can maintain its integrity and avoid the pitfalls of corruption.

Source: Kessben Sports Desk