The GFA president, Kurt Okraku, is under fire for delivering buses to nine clubs that placed first to third in last season’s Division One League.
While the program intends to address a vital transportation issue in Ghanaian football, many have expressed worries about the buses’ condition, calling them “death traps.”
Condition of the busses
A deeper look at the buses found substantial wear and tear, including degraded seats, steering components, and interiors. According to observers, the vehicles had been in use abroad for more than a decade before being handed over to the teams.
The clubs that would benefit are Cape Coast Ebusua Dwarfs FC, New Edubia United FC, Okwawu United FC, Young Apostles FC, Techiman Heroes FC, Basake Holy Stars FC, Vision FC, Hohoe United FC, and Victory Club Warriors FC. The distribution ceremony was held on Wednesday at the Accra Sports Stadium.
President Kurt Okraku fulfills a promise.
Delivering on a promise made at the GFA’s 23rd Congress in Kumasi, GFA President Kurt Okraku emphasized the critical need for improved transportation in the football environment.
Back in July 2023, during our Congress in Kumasi, I recognized transportation as a major concern for our clubs. This has resulted in players travelling in discomfort. To overcome this, we implemented a bus acquisition plan. Today, the Football Association’s Executive Council fulfills this promise.
Kurt Okraku went on to say that the buses were obtained as a result of greater inflows generated by collective efforts and will be part of the merit awards for the 2023/2024 season.
Expanding the Initiative.
President Kurt Okraku indicated plans to expand the project to include other divisions of Ghanaian football, such as the Women’s Premier League.
In the following days, four Women’s Premier League clubs will also receive buses. This is part of our mission to improve the fundamentals of Ghanaian football. Transportation is a fundamental necessity, and we are committed to providing it. Today it’s Division One League clubs; tomorrow it could be Women’s Premier League teams or Regional Football Associations.
Mixed reactions.
While many have praised the GFA’s initiative, opponents claim that the buses’ condition undermines its purpose. They urge the GFA to ensure that future acquisitions adhere to safety and quality requirements in order to genuinely assist grassroots football growth.
Grassroots football is an important funnel for developing talent to revitalize Ghana’s Black Stars, and addressing such concerns is critical to the country’s football development.
