George Afriyie, the former Vice President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has expressed skepticism regarding the initiative announced by GFA President Kurt Okraku to provide 30 buses for the football ecosystem.
During the 29th congress of the GFA held in Kumasi, Okraku stated that the GFA plans to invest in the game by acquiring 30 new buses. He specified that the beneficiary teams would include those from the Division One and women’s club teams.
“We will invest 30 buses into the Ghana football ecosystem. The beneficiaries of this strategy will be teams from the division one and the women’s club teams, this is the game changer.” He said.
However, George Afriyie, who has declared his intention to contest against Kurt Okraku in the upcoming GFA presidential elections, believes that the announcement was merely a campaign strategy.
Speaking to the press after the congress, Afriyie highlighted the lack of a roadmap for the implementation of the investment and the provision of the promised buses.
He described the announcement as empty promises aimed at garnering support for the next elections. In a sarcastic remark, Afriyie suggested that if Okraku intends to provide buses, he might as well consider providing airplanes.
He criticized the vague assurance of providing buses, without specifying who would receive them or how they would be obtained. He viewed these statements as empty promises made during an election year, comparing it to saying he would give out airplanes. According to him, promises should be supported by a detailed plan or action, rather than being general and unspecified.
“Which of his previous promises have been fulfilled?,” he questioned. “When you give vague promises that you will provide buses. Who and who will be given, how they will get it, we don’t know, he has said it because it is an election year, then I will give out plane (Aeroplane) if that is how it should be said. These are vague promises. Promises must be backed by a plan or an action plan and not being specific,” Afriyie ended.
Afriyie’s remarks reflect his skepticism about the feasibility and sincerity of Okraku’s initiative, emphasizing the need for a concrete plan and implementation strategy rather than mere campaign promises.