President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, has firmly dismissed persistent claims that he influences player selections for the Black Stars.
Speaking in an interview on The Delay Show, the seasoned football administrator described allegations of interference in national team call-ups as false and unfounded.
According to Okraku, he often learns about Black Stars squad selections at the same time as the general public. “What most people don’t know is that when you see the Black Stars selection, that’s when I also see it. Most of the time, I’m seated at the Accra Sports Stadium and the Black Stars are about to play, then there is breaking news on social media that the Black Stars have done selections. That’s when I also get to read it. I’m not even concerned,” Okraku stated.
The comments come amid longstanding accusations from sections of the football public who believe the GFA president exerts influence over player invitations through his alleged connections within football circles.
However, Okraku’s latest remarks seek to distance himself from the selection process, insisting that technical decisions are left to the coaching staff.
Since assuming office in 2019, the Dreams FC owner has overseen a period in which Ghana has secured qualification for two consecutive FIFA World Cups, while also implementing several reforms within Ghana football.
His comments are likely to reignite debate among football fans, with opinions remaining divided over the extent of the GFA’s involvement in national team affairs.
