Audio By Carbonatix
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
-
Northern Ghana bears highest hepatitis B burden as Health Ministry strengthens elimination efforts
17 seconds -
Henry Nana Boakye accuses Mahama of ‘deceptive’ stance on presidential term limit
12 minutes -
Gov’t launches national urban policy and slum upgrading strategy to tackle flooding and housing challenges
33 minutes -
I’ve tried everything — Akofena reveals failed attempts to reconcile with Adwoa Safo
36 minutes -
Benjamin Azamati books Commonwealth Games men’s 100m final spot, Saminu falls agonizingly short
55 minutes -
Unlimited Supreme Court appointments risk political manipulation – Togbe Afede XIV
57 minutes -
Education Ministry, CHASS begin push for national strategy to curb SHS indiscipline
58 minutes -
Financial barriers continue to limit access to justice – Togbe Afede XIV
2 hours -
Kandau murder suspect Abu Tijani dies after arrest, Police Professional Standards Bureau launches investigation
2 hours -
High-level conference on governance, critical minerals and conflict underway in Accra
2 hours -
Analysis of the mid-year budget review against the 2026 budget
2 hours -
Jinjin defilement: Parents plead with Chief Justice for swift justice
2 hours -
Police arrest suspected romance scammer over alleged marriage fraud, intimate image blackmail
2 hours -
Sudan: Is Kordofan facing a “campaign of ethnic cleansing”?
2 hours -
NSMQ 2026: Fijai SHS Dominates Western Regional Qualifiers with 74 Points
2 hours