Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku has firmly dismissed allegations that the country’s football governing body interferes in the selection of players for the various national teams, insisting that coaches are given full autonomy to carry out their duties.
Speaking during an appearance on The Delay Show, Okraku addressed longstanding concerns surrounding player call-ups and squad selections, particularly those involving the senior national team, the Black Stars.
“When it comes to the work of the coaches, nobody interferes in their job,” he stated, responding directly to claims that external forces influence decisions made by the technical team.
The issue of alleged interference has been a recurring topic in Ghanaian football circles for years, often resurfacing whenever controversial player selections are made or high-profile recalls spark debate among supporters and pundits. However, Okraku was unequivocal in his response, maintaining that the responsibility for selecting players rests solely with the coaches.
According to the GFA President, the Association’s role is to provide the necessary administrative, financial and logistical support required for the technical team to succeed, rather than dictate football decisions.
“Our responsibility is to create the right environment for coaches to work and achieve results. The decisions regarding player selection belong entirely to the technical team,” he stressed.
Okraku’s comments come at a crucial time as Ghana intensifies preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Black Stars secured qualification for the global showpiece and have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama.
The GFA President has recently expressed confidence in the quality of the current squad, describing it as a talented group capable of competing against the world’s best. He has also openly shared his ambition of seeing Ghana challenge for the ultimate prize in world football.
With expectations continuing to rise among supporters, Okraku’s latest remarks are likely to reignite discussions about transparency and accountability in national team management. Nevertheless, the GFA remains adamant that coaches operate independently and are fully accountable for every selection they make.
As the countdown to the World Cup gathers pace, the focus now shifts to preparations on the pitch, where the Black Stars will be aiming to justify the faith placed in them and make a significant impact on football’s biggest stage.
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