Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Kurt Okraku, has clarified that his recent conspicuous absence from high profile meetings involving the GFA and Ghanaian football stakeholders was to address medical concerns outside Ghana and not to campaign for a CAF executive position.
Speaking to the media in Kumasi during his visit to Kumasi Asante Kotoko and the family of the late Francis Yaw “Pooley” Frimpong, the GFA President debunked speculations that his trip was related to his bid for a spot on the CAF Executive Committee.
Kotoko fan Pooley was stabbed multiple times when Kotoko played a Ghana Premier League game against Nsoatreman FC and died from the stab wounds signaling problems with hooliganism in Ghana football.
The clarification comes after Kurt Okraku faced criticism for his absence following the tragic death of Pooley in the violent altercation during a match in Nsoatre.
“I was out of the country for medical needs, not to campaign for a CAF executive position. It’s a sorrowful moment. We will continue in this journey of change. The journey that started in 2019. It will be rough and smooth like our current situation but we will keep working hard to make things better” Kurt Okraku said.
The GFA President commended football stakeholders swift response to the violent incident and the close working relationship between key parties including Kotoko, the Ghana Police Service and the media.
I want to use this opportunity to say thank you to all of you, the entire media in Ghana, for the big role you have played on this important journey.
By Towfik Mohammed
