Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kurt Okraku has denied media speculations that he influences player selection in the Black Stars, insisting head coach Charles Akonnor is in full control of the senior national team.
Okraku, who has been in charge of Ghana football since October 2019, has been accused of frustrating the work of coach Akonnor. It is said that Okraku forces Akonnor to invite his players.
But on this Saturday's edition of the Joy Sports Link, the experienced football administrator denied the rumours, saying "Nobody imposes players on Charles Akonnor".
He reiterated his claim to assure Ghanaians that the Black Stars boss has been given the freedom to operate, contrary to media speculations.
Okraku explained that; "Call-ups for all national teams go through processes and these people [Ghanaians] must understand. Gone were those days where one person will wake up one day and there is a call-up. It will never happen again.
"The coach and his team will work with the technical directorate to pick up a squad and if they are convinced about the squad, they need to convince the management of the team about the squad.
"Finally, there will always be a meeting, some I may attend or any other I pick to attend, and when there is a consensus the squad is announced by the head trainer. This is a system that is administered everywhere in the world."
He, however, added that; "If a coach wants a player, the player comes".
Okraku added that he has a great relationship with Akonnor, with the two having previously worked together at Ghana Premier League outfit Dreams FC.
And that, he and his Executive Council trust the judgement of Akonnor, saying "If we [GFA Executive Council] don't [trust the judgement of Akonnor], he will not be there."
Akonnor is the first Black Stars coach appointed by Kurt Okraku-led GFA administration. He was handed the job in January 2020 after the association decided not to renew the mandate of Kwesi Appiah.
Since his appointment, Akonnor has been involved in six games. He has recorded three wins, two defeats and a draw.
Last month, he secured qualification to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations tournament to be staged in Cameroon next year.
Akonnor has been tasked to win the trophy and end Ghana's 40 years trophy drought.
Latest Stories
-
Election 2024: EC destroys defective ballot papers for Ahafo and Volta regions
3 mins -
2024 Election: I am sad EC disqualified me, but I endorse CPP’s candidate – PNP’s Nabla
30 mins -
I want to build a modern, inclusive country anchored by systems and data – Bawumia to CSOs
31 mins -
Miss Health Ghana 2024: Kujori Esther Cachana crowned new Health Ambassador
38 mins -
Livestream: The manifesto debate on WASH and climate change
45 mins -
Alan Kyerematen saddened by NDC and NPP’s neglect of Krofrom Market in the Ashanti Region
48 mins -
CSIR Executive Director urges farmers to adopt technology for improved farming
1 hour -
Football Impact Africa’s Ghetto Love Initiative inspires change in Teshie
1 hour -
Peter Toobu calls for tighter border security over uncovered weapons at Tema Port
1 hour -
Gov’t has failed its commitment to IPPs – Ablakwa
1 hour -
Sell Chrome to end search monopoly, Google told
2 hours -
KATH to install seven new dialysis machines by end of November
2 hours -
Walewale: Police confiscate 37 bags of cocoa beans suspected of being smuggled out of Ghana
2 hours -
‘Expired’ Rice Scandal: FDA confirms rice was safe for consumption after rigorous lab tests
2 hours -
Many women have experienced intimate partner violence – Angela Dwamena Aboagye
2 hours