Elmina Sharks’ owner, Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom, has criticized the Ghana Football Association (GFA), accusing its leadership of a conflict of interest in managing the Ghana Premier League.
The prominent businessman expressed frustration over the poor administration of the league, citing issues such as the lack of a headline sponsor, television broadcaster, and rising incidents of hooliganism that have plagued the competition.
The situation worsened following the tragic death of Asante Kotoko supporter, Francis Frimpong (also known as Nana Pooley), during a Matchday 19 clash between Nsoatreman FC and Kotoko at Nana Kronmansah Park.
In an interview with GTV Sports Plus+, Dr. Nduom questioned the governance structure of Ghanaian football, specifically the roles of club owners within the GFA leadership.
“The people who run the league, there is a conflict of interest,” he stated. “Why should an owner of a team be President of the GFA, why should an owner of a team be a vice-president of the GFA?”
“We can’t sack them because people’s hands are in their mouth. Can you go and sack the people who are there now? No,” he added.
Ironically, Elmina Sharks have also faced controversy, as their players and supporters were allegedly involved in hooliganism against Swedru All Blacks in a Division One match. This occurred just weeks after Pooley’s death and during his one-week memorial.
“Isn’t it a consequence of what has been happening in the country? If you let people misbehave from Premier, Division One, Division Two, what do you expect? If I was not at the stadium, what do you think would have happened?” Dr. Nduom questioned.
Meanwhile, Sharks’ player Jay Asamoah has been charged by the GFA for breaching Section 13 (1) (k) of the GFA’s Disciplinary Code for allegedly assaulting referee Eso Doh Morrison.