Former Ghana Football Association vice president George Afriyie has renewed his criticism of the current GFA leadership headed by Kurt Okraku, accusing them of failing to nurture a new crop of elite players capable of equalling Ghana’s famed “golden generation.”
“In the past seven (7) years, everything in our football has been about you and your cronies. However, you’ve failed to produce a single world-class player who could matchup the qualities of the likes of Michael Essien, Asamoah Gyan, Sulley Muntari, Kwadwo Asamoah, John Paintsil, Derek Boateng and so on.” Afriyie wrote of his facebook page.
The remarks have since generated heated discussion among football supporters, with many interpreting them as a direct attack on Okraku’s leadership of Ghana football.
He further noted that: ”Mr. Kwesi Nayantakyi, Mr. Fred Pappoe, late Jordan Anagblah, Mr. Fred Crentsil, Mr. Kudjoe Fiano, Mr. Awuah Nyamekye, Dr Randy Abbey and others. Thank you for putting the nation’s interest above personal gains.”
Afriyie maintains that the current administration has placed excessive focus on selected players without achieving meaningful progress for the national teams. Critics have also cited players such as Baba Rahman, Philemon Baffour, and John Antwi described as his protégés from his camp as examples of talents who have been repeatedly given chances but have not delivered performances comparable to Ghana’s legendary stars.
In recent radio discussions, the former football administrator has further insisted that Ghana football has experienced a gradual decline in quality, identity, and competitiveness in recent years.
