We’ll not cover up for ‘our corrupt officials’ exposed by Anas – GFA

• Posted on June 7, 2018June 7, 2018
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has served notice it will not cover up or shield any of its members caught receiving various sums of money in the latest explosive documentary on corruption in Ghana’s football.

“…There will be no attempt of a cover-up or shield any of our members caught in alleged acts of corruption,” a statement issued Thursday said.

An investigative documentary by the internationally acclaimed controversial Ghanaian journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas has exposed deep-seated corruption in Ghana’s football

The two-year investigative work, which was premiered Wednesday, exposed how some GFA officials, referees, football administrators and those in the sports ministry received bribes in various sums to compromise their positions and work.

Key officials among those caught in the corruption quargmire are the GFA President Kwesi Nyantakyi, the Greater Accra Regional FA president Eddie Doku and the Northern Sector FA president Abu.

Despite the exposé, these officials among others are yet to resign from their post.

But the GFA has said it “does not condone any manner of corrupt practices,” claiming it received evidence some eight months ago about attempts to manipulate matches in the various football competitions in the country.

It said officials immediately took steps to prevent the “external influences” by writing to the world football governing body, FIFA for assistance to combat the menace.

“The action we took was in furtherance of the GFA’s desire to fight against match manipulation and maintain the integrity of our game and federation,” it said.

The statement said FIFA responded to their request few days later with an action plan on how the FA could fight the menace of match manipulation through a roadmap.

The roadmap, it said was to be implemented as a national integrity initiative.

“We are still working with FIFA Integrity Department to find the appropriate dates for the action to help educate our members on the dangers of this menace,” it added.

The statement said the FA would subsequently be undertaking a holistic review and “continue with our reforms geared towards the enhancement of its operations in dealing with alleged acts of corruption in the game.”

It has meanwhile urged the football fraternity to remain calm and “provide us with all the support” needed to restore confidence and trust the football game.

By Stephen Kwabena Effah