Top Sports Journalists To Stage Demo Against GFA
Some top sports journalists in the country have planned a protest over the recent happenings in the Black Stars, Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
The group of football fanatics will hit the streets on February 14 to register their displeasure over some factors they believe propelled the early exit of Ghana from the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Cote d’Ivoire.
They secured a police permit for the course on January 31, 2024.
Speaking to the media after the engagement between the organisers and the police, Journalist Saddick Adams revealed the latter’s conditions were favourable and assured it would be a peaceful protest.
“This is meant to tell the authorities that we are monitoring what they are doing. It’s a peaceful walk to present a petition to the effect that we like this sport. If the passion of the nation dies it means the nation is dead as well. No hatred, no anger. Our anger is a positive one. We extend our invitation to all Ghanaians.”
Among their demands are a reduction in budgetary allocation to the senior national team for tournaments, a review of player selection criteria and dedication from the FA.
“The money we invest in the sport must be directed into the right channel. We need to have a training complex by now for our footballers. Our league must be positioned well to boost the economy. Our U15 and U17 must be open for all to join as they used to be…Our budget for tournaments must be reduced and diverted to better courses. We need devoted, dedicated and patriotic players for our tournaments. We all need patriotic authorities to lead such tournaments not for money.”
Organisers of the protest also include Patrick Osei-Agyemang, Nana Yaw Kesse, and Veronica Commey.
The Blacks Stars put up an unsatisfactory performance in the AFCON, which saw them exit the tournament for the second time in a row in the group stage.
The team failed to win any of their three group games and ended with two points from a loss and two draws.
Their dramatic exit ended the role of Irish football manager Chris Hughton and his technical team with a five-member committee instituted to scout for a new head coach for onward approval by the Executive Council.
However, some football fanatics have kicked against the move, arguing that replacing the coach will be a superficial solution to the mess and will have no impact on the deep cracks the entire country’s football is suffering.
