Manifesto CONTENTS

3 FOREWORD 19 CLUB LICENSING SYSTEM 6 INTRODUCTION 19 REGISTRATION 7 VISION 19 SECURITY 7 MISSION STATEMENT 20 GOVERNANCE 8 STATEMENT OF INTENT 20 GFA Corporate Governance 10 FOOTBALLING CURRICULUM 20 GFA / Government Relationship VITAE 20 GFA/Other Football 11 ADMINISTRATION Associations Relationship 11 National Secretariat 21 Reforms 11 Regional Football Association 21 NATIONAL TEAMS Secretariats 22 12 Ghanaman Soccer Centre of MEDIA Excellence 22 FUNDING 12 ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS 22 Marketing and Sponsorship 12 Finance Department 23 CONCLUSION 13 Competition Department 24 OUTRO 13 Technical Directorate 14 Communications Department 14 OUR MEMBERS 14 The League Clubs 14 Womens Football 15 Youth Football & Grassroot Football 17 Referees 18 Players 18 Coaches George Kwasi Afriyie - Manifesto

FOREWORD

Football in is described as the “passion of the nation”, and rightly so, since it is a sport which sums up the mood of the entire nation; our collective joy at winning and agony in defeat. For many years, Ghana football has been held in high esteem for the consistent discovery of talented players who have etched their names in the annals of football history both home and abroad; from pre-independence to the present time. C.K Gyamfi, Wilberforce Mfum, , , Robert Mensah, , Dan Oppong, Kwasi Owusu, Dan Owusu, Abdul Razak, Adolf Armah, Mohammed Polo, Opoku Afriyie, , , Opoku Nti, George Alhassan, Ishmael Addo, Charles Taylor, Emmanuel Osei Kufuor, Stephen Oduro, , , Sammy Osei Kufuor, , , Dede and , Alberta Sackey, Mercy Tagoe, , and Memunatu Suleiman just to name a few. Under the auspices of the Ghana Amateur Football Association (GAFA) now Ghana Football Association (GFA), football administrators like the inimitable Ohene Djan, Nana Fredua

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Mensah, Simms Mensah, Tommy has been subjected to intense public Thompson, Harry Zakour, Yaw scrutiny arising out of perceived Bawuah , Nana Sam Brew-Butler, corruption within the corridors Alhaji MND Jawula, E.A. Nartey, of football. The GFA secretariat Alhaji Gruzah, Jones Alhassan - Abu , was raided by the Economic and E.O. Boateng , Welbeck Abra- Appiah Organised Crime Unit (EOCO) , Alhaji Sly Tetteh, Kudjoe Fianoo, in December 2010. In 2014, the Sir Sam Jonah, Kwesi Nyantakyi, Dzamefe Commission was set Madam Abiba Atta, Sophia Okulley, up as a result of the scurrilous Nancy Thompson and Helena events arising out of the Black Cobbina have all paid their dues. Stars World Cup participation in Brazil. Matters came to a head The GFA has since 1958, run an in 2018 when after the airing of effective league system and other Number 12, the premises of the FA competitions, which has seen our were cordoned off and declared a teams qualify and excel in crime scene thereby bringing all with the likes of Asante football activity to a halt with the Kotoko, Hearts of Oak and final straw being an attempt by the lately Berekum Chelsea, Aduana Government to dissolve the GFA as Stars and Medeama SC carving a criminal organisation. FIFA stepped niche for themselves in Africa. in and through a collaborative On the international front, Ghana’s interaction with the Government, exploits at both the senior and set up a liaison team after which youth levels have cemented Ghana’s under threats of sanctions, the place as a footballing giant in Africa. Normalization Committee was Among others, the Senior national inaugurated with specific mandate team (Black Stars) has successfully among others to run the day to day qualified three consecutive times activity of the GFA and to amend to the FIFA World Cup, the Black the Statutes of the GFA to conform Satellites won the 2009 FIFA U’20 with article 15 of FIFA Statutes. World Cup in , The Black The Normalization Committee Queens being the first senior team did its bit by ensuring our local to qualify for the FIFA World Cup teams played in Africa, ushered in in 1998, the Black Maidens being and played the novelty NC Special the only African team ever to win Competition as well as ensured that Bronze at the FIFA U17 Women’s the national teams participated in all World cup in 2012(Azerbaijan). competitions, they had qualified for. Unfortunately, we had mixed results In the immediate past years, the FA from these competitions with the

4 THE RESTORATION George Kwasi Afriyie - Manifesto ignominious exit of the Black Stars past and still offering tremendous from the African Cup of Nations in assistance, one can only imagine the Egypt being the most painful. transformational milestones that Mr. Afriyie can achieve for Ghana when The Draft Statutes was approved by given the mandate as president of Congress on 5th September 2019, the GFA. which paved the way for the NC to outline the itinerary for elections. Mr. Afriyie is a soccer magnate, We are at a period in our history corporate executive and an where we need to “Heal the past, live entrepreneur. Having finished his the present and dream the future”. early education at Ada Senior High School and furthering to Accra The choice has now fallen on us to Polytechnic to obtain his HND, he elect a leader, George Kwasi Afriyie subsequently got his diploma in has stood up to be counted. George business management from Osaka Kwasi Afriyie, a devoted football Business College in Japan. He management personality hails studied Japanese at the Japanese from Asante Akyem in the Ashanti International Language School Region and Ada in the Greater Accra in Tokyo. Mr. Afriyie therefore Region of Ghana. I know him as a combines cultures and operates father, a brother and a colleague. Mr. perfectly in multiple cultures too. Afriyie has been an instrumental figure in recent times and has Moving forward on our football contributed to the growth of the path as Ghanaians, there is the Ghanaian local league through the need to have a fresh perspective mentorship of footballers and the without doing away with the coordination of activities that are past, have a stronger approach to geared towards enhancement in the our management efforts without lives of Ghanaian players. overlooking our weaknesses and desist from partisan forms of More often than not, many expect management without forgetting to have absolute power before they our ethnic diversity. If there is any effect change, but this is not so one person that has mastered all with George. Through more ways of these abilities, then it is George than one, he has shown to all and Kwasi Afriyie. sundry that his loyalty to the cause of the GFA is unquestionable; a feat I plead with you to support his cause, which over the years earned him his campaign and his message. the title “Chief of Staff”. Seated at the deputy side of power in the

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transparency and integrity as our watchwords. Our Revival – We shall revive our Youth & Grassroot football, women’s football, Gala, FA Cup & the National Leagues devoid of bribery, corrupt practices, rowdyism and hooliganism. Let’s play it fair shall be our mantra. Our Restoration - We shall restore the GFA to its lost glory. We shall use lessons of the past to forge a new beginning. Ghana football shall take its rightful place amongst the league of football nations, The Best of the Best. With this Manifesto, we shall together build. Ours is not to make vain promises just to get elected; INTRODUCTION ours is not business as usual; ours are We stand at the crossroads of our practicable and workable solutions. history where the choices we make I have used “We” instead of “I”, today determine our tomorrow. and “Ours” instead of “Mine” A new beginning yet with echoes because I believe it is a collective from the past. responsibility for us all. Never have we striven to perfect the Whatever happened previously is imperfections of our Association as our collective shame which none we seek to do now. can be absolved from. We have the opportunity now to right the wrongs This manifesto, dubbed “The and usher our Association into a Restoration” is tailored to fit our glorious future. requirements going into the future. Let’s Do It together! Our Redemption – We shall George Kwasi Afriyie redeem our lost image by running a crystal-clear administration with 5TH OCTOBER 2019

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3. Ensuring that all grounds provide the safety and security required to make everyone welcome on VISION match days to enjoy the game to “To establish a well-defined career the fullest. pathway anchored in transparency 4. Pushing the nation’s football for all in the pursuit of excellence developmental agenda onto a within Ghana football. A pathway new pedestal thereby enabling ignoring exclusivity, embracing Ghana win laurels in global and diversity and encouraging continental championships both inclusivity. Promoting self, team and at the national and club levels. corporate innovative advancement; From the first kick of a ball right 5. Vigorously pursuing value-added through to the introduction of senior dimensions of ; football. From the Administrators to modifying and merchandising to the Match Officials, the Coaches, the enrich footballers, stakeholders, Psychologists, the Physiotherapists investors, merchants and the and Nutritionists to name but a few, national economy at large. the career path must embrace them 6. Promoting our football league all. A prosperous football economy system with innovative and full of opportunities and soccer marketable ideas to maximise talents.” entertainment value and rekindle mass spectatoring. 7. Exploring avenues of retaining football stars in the country to MISSION STATEMENT curb or minimise the exodus 1. Establishing and nurturing a of Ghana’s budding footballers; football fraternity and industry player welfare, fair wages, devoid of corruption and corrupt scholarships, incentives and practices on and off the field of bonuses. play. 8. Promoting Colts and Women 2. Recognizing the important Football vigorously to contribution of stakeholders appreciable levels. outside of the football fraternity and seek to cooperate and work with them for the betterment of the game.

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I respectfully crave your indulgence to blow my little horn since it is said that if you don’t say “I am” no one would say “Thou Art”. “Y3 fr3 me” George Kwasi Afriyie, “George’; a farmer, a crusader and a dragon slayer”. Kwasi; a Sunday male PROFILE/STATEMENT OF INTENT born. “Afriyie”; One who comes at an May I respectfully crave your opportune time; one who comes indulgence to blow my little horn with good tidings. The good tidings since it is said that if you don’t say “I I bring to you at this opportune am” no one would say “Thou Art”. time is a message of Redemption, Revival & Restoration. I bring “Y3 fr3 me” George Kwasi Afriyie, integrity, vision, optimism and a “George’; a farmer, a crusader and a wealth of experience to this august dragon slayer”. Kwasi; a Sunday male position. If elected as the President born. “Afriyie”; One who comes at an of our noble association, I promise opportune time; one who comes to be fair and objective, to keep an with good tidings. The good tidings open mind and to appreciate the I bring to you at this opportune uniqueness and individuality of all time is a message of Redemption, members of the football fraternity Revival & Restoration. I bring whilst protecting our homogeneity. integrity, vision, optimism and a I have managed a continuous career wealth of experience to this august in football administration spanning position. If elected as the President over two decades. I have worked in of our noble association, I promise various capacities at the Executive to be fair and objective, to keep an level of our Association. Over this open mind and to appreciate the period, I have demonstrated high uniqueness and individuality of all levels of emotional intelligence members of the football fraternity and strong thought leadership in whilst protecting our homogeneity. working with others both locally STATEMENT I have managed a continuous career and internationally and have OF INTENT in football administration spanning acquired an in-depth understanding over two decades. I have worked in of administrative procedures and various capacities at the Executive people management systems, level of our Association. Over this thoughts and processes. I have period, I have demonstrated high excellent communication, levels of emotional intelligence May networking and interpersonal skills

8 THE RESTORATION George Kwasi Afriyie - Manifesto with the ability to foster effective the view that we needed a fresh working relationships with all I face at the helm of affairs and with interact with. I excel in relationship many years of apprenticeship I building, creating connections that knew the time was right for me to get the best out of people both as step forward and chart a new course individuals and within a team or for our association by maintaining group setting. It is this skill that I bring the positives and developing them to you, football loving people. As the further, and departing from the immediate past Vice President of negatives but using the lessons the GFA, I, in the course of my duties, learnt to craft new ideas. had the opportunity and privilege I am a strong advocate of honesty to meet and work with some good and integrity when it comes to people. My position demanded that working with colleagues. I am a I use my knowledge in negotiations, great team worker and open to communication, organisation, work with all manner of persons leadership, administration and but if I have a fault, then it is being business management skills to a too honest, questioning perceived very high degree. wrongdoings and always prepared In March 2018, I announced my to lead a crusade to right the wrongs intention to offer myself as a wherever I find myself; A fault candidate for the GFA Presidential which caused me all my positions position come 2019. I took this at the GFA in 2018 and be branded decision after lots of soul searching a traitor but my conscience tells me and broad consultations with very that I did what was right within the well-meaning people. My conviction circumstances. As an association we to contest the election was borne need a leader who is hardworking, out of the need for change and a selfless, pro-active, willing to serve retooling of our core values ; I was and above all, possesses a listening part of the process to chart a new ear. A leader who is willing to fight course for the FA in 2005 and was to restore our battered image and with the FA until the Normalisation project the GFA as a shining example Committee was inaugurated. Over for other associations to emulate. that period, I saw many positive You have that leader in George changes as well as several negatives. Kwasi Afriyie. I came to the realisation that there were some things which I was powerless to change unless I assumed the high office. I was of

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MY FOOTBALL 2011 -2018 CURRICULUM VITAE Member, Emergency Committee 2002 – 2008 2012 -2015 Chief Executive Officer/Investor, Chairman, Black Satellites (U20) Swedru All Blacks Football Club Management Committee 2005 -2018 2011- 2012 Member, Executive Committee. Chairman, Events, Marketing and 2006 – 2011 Sponsorship Committee Member, Division One League 2015 – Present Board President, Okyeman Planners 2006 – 2011 Football Club, Akyem Tafo Member, Black Meteors (U23) 2015 – Present Management Committee Member, Marketing and TV Rights 2007 – Present Committee of CAF President, Africa Soccer 2015-2018 Promotions Vice President, Ghana Football 2008 – Present Association Executive Director, Dansoman 2015-2018 Liberty Professionals Football Chairman, Black Stars Club Management Committee 2009 – 2012 2017 -Present Chief Executive Officer, Accra Member, AFCON Organizing Great Olympics Committee 2010 – 2011 2017 – Present President, Unity Football Club, Match Commissioner, CAF Goaso ACHIEVEMENTS 2011- 2012 Silver Medal (2015 AFCON) Vice Chairman, Local Black Stars Bronze Medal (2013 FIFA U20 2011-2015 World Cup) Chairman, National Juvenile SEMINARS AND CONFERENCES Committee FIFA Conference on Match Fixing

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CAF Seminar on Womens Football professionally and efficiently. My vision is to build an additional floor FIFA Ballon D’Or GALA on the existing building to be used as Conference on International conference, meeting and restrooms Management, London for our various football committees Conference on Football Structural to meet and deliberate on issues Organization, Tokyo that affect our game. I will ensure that all the rooms are fitted with Conference on the Role of Media state-of-the-art communication in Modern Football, Korea network. The top of that structure would be converted into a cafeteria with effective internet connectivity ADMINISTRATION and giant tv screens, where our secretariat staff and all stakeholders National Secretariat can meet and fraternise especially on match days. The Ghana Football Association Secretariat, the home of our football shall be turned into a fully functional Regional Football Association Secretariat equipped with the Secretariats. right human resource and facilities Per our Statutes, our RFAs are aimed at providing an enabling programmed to function as the environment for the development of GFA in our various regions in our game. This will be done through a decentralized manner. Thus, strategic planning of our human everything done at the National resource requirements, developing Secretariat or head office if one may and implementing proper job term it that way must be replicated descriptions, healthy employment at the Regional Secretariat or offices contracts, performance appraisal albeit on a lower scale in terms of mechanisms, staff welfare and a quantity but not quality. In this constant training plan for our vital regard, the RFAs would also have human resource. I envisage a vibrant their office facilities upgraded, Secretariat with well-resourced their staff strengthened, and their staff exuding excellent work ethics. capacity built to be able to apply Members of staff at the Secretariat the latest administrative and will have their capacities evaluated managerial trends in the day to day by undergoing in-house and where management of their respective necessary, external training courses regions. They would be equipped to ensure the Secretariat is run more to run Strategic fit plans that imbibe

11 THE RESTORATION George Kwasi Afriyie - Manifesto new standards and promote four pitches at the Centre presently grassroot soccer development . shall be fenced and the playing surfaces well-maintained, with at They would be assisted to acquire least, one installed with floodlights. professional training to produce All these would be done to ensure enough coaches and referees to a holistic sporting development of work across districts at community our players and staff who use the levels with cooperation from Centre. Districts Assemblies and Regional Sports Committees. They would be encouraged to seek corporate ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS investments in parks development in supporting local football. My vision is to reorganise the Steps would be taken to secure GFA by creating the following sponsorship and partnership for Departments: Finance, all the RFAs. This would be done Competitions, Human Resource, through contacts with Corporate Technical, Communications and bodies in the various regions. Match Officials. Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Finance Department Excellence The Department would be Existing facilities at the Ghanaman restructured and would be headed Soccer Centre of Excellence (‘the by a Chief Finance Officer (CFO) Centre’) at Prampram would and staffed with well trained undergo a complete facelift. The professionals to perform effectively. Centre would be transformed further It would be made up of five Units with the construction of a tennis, namely; Budget, Accounts, Internal volleyball and netball courts, as well Audit, Audit Implementations and as a swimming pool not only as a Marketing. means of enhancing the recreational Budgets would be prepared for the values of the Centre but also to be entire association and reviews done applied in the training regime of mid-year as well as end of year. players who camp there. The ground Quarterly, half-yearly and yearly floor of the Jordan Anagblah Block reports would be presented by the would be converted into a morden Unit. Strong internal control systems gymnasium equipped with state-of- would be designed, maintained and the-art facilities and made available reviewed annually. The Internal to our players, staff and clients who Audit Unit as part of their duties patronize the Centre. Further, the would vet all proposed expenditure

12 THE RESTORATION George Kwasi Afriyie - Manifesto of the GFA before actual spending. also be set up and fitted with The Audit Implementation Unit modern equipment manned by would be independent and would dedicated staff to keep us abreast see to the implementation of all with all events, before, during and audit findings. The Marketing Unit after match days. To support the would have a combination of tried administrative staff, a League Board and tested marketers alongside would be set up to manage all young and exuberant aspiring competitions played by the national marketers as staff tasked to market league clubs and the women’s Elite the GFA brand. Premier division. Competitions’ Department Technical Directorate Every football Association thrives Over the years our FA has seen on how its competitions are Technical Directors without a effectively organised. The GFA proper Technical Directorate, has these competitions: Premier something which does not befit our League, Division One League, The status as an elite football nation. It FA Cup, Women’s Elite Premier is my foremost priority to create a League and the Regional Leagues Technical Directorate to cater for the enshrined in our Statutes. Attempts technical direction of our football, have been made to reintroduce formulating and seeing to the the Gala. I intend, with the support effective implementation of policies of the Executive Committee and aimed at developing and improving Congress to make this competition our football. These include but a compulsory precursor of our not limited to developing coaches, football calendar each year. identifying and training referees, grassroot, juvenile and women I would propose the setting up football to the highest level. The of a Competitions Department new Technical Directorate will be to be responsible for all tasked to ensure we have a blueprint aspects of the organisation and and a laid-down procedure aimed successful implementation of at the technical development of our competitions. Under the every facet of our football. Under Competitions Department would the Technical Directorate we shall be the Club Licensing Board, the have separate Desks for Coaches, IT department for registration and Youth, Grassroot, Women’s Football, transfer of players and effective Referees and Goalkeepers. manpower to man the department. A Competitions’ room would

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Communications Department promoting Integrity and good ‘’Until lions have their own corporate governance in our League historians, tales of the hunt will Clubs. We would implore our league always glorify the Hunters’’ so clubs to live the change we all desire. says an old adage. The GFA must Since we all crave for fair play we learn to tell its own story. The must stand by its tenets. We would Communication Department of the eschew corrupting match officials GFA shall be resourced to restore and resorting to hooliganism and the lost trust and confidence in vandalism. We would reward Ghana football.Social Media plays teams and individuals who exhibit a good role in promoting all brands acts of integrity. Ours is to create across the world, and I align myself an enabling environment so our to this belief and will take conscious football economy grows. I aim to steps to use all the arms of Social make the Ghana Football economy Media to promote Ghana Football. prosperous and full of opportunities Our website and various social for talents. Periodic workshops media handles would be regularly would be organised for club updated and made interactive. I administrators and their technical intend to make our Communication teams so they all become abreast Department an information hub. with the modern trends in our I intend to create a GFA app which beautiful game. one can download onto ones We would look at the idea phone, so with the click of a button of enhancing experiential one has all information about the entertainment value at our stadia GFA’s activities at ones fingertips. across the nation by integrating There would also be official Apps music and food culture to make the dedicated to each League. stadia attractive and safe for families The Communication Department who patronize them. would have a PR Unit as well as a Women’s Football Research and Data Centre to enable us put forward, accurate facts and Women football undoubtedly, is figures on everything we do. one area where the nation has won some modest laurels and OUR MEMEBERS glory not to forget the educational The League Clubs opportunities it has offered several Premier & Division One League of our women to study abroad. Clubs: We would focus on These successes have been largely due to the tremendous effort of

14 THE RESTORATION George Kwasi Afriyie - Manifesto some state institutions, including upgrade the capacities of existing the Security services, schools and coaches. The GFA under my colleges as well as support and leadership would encourage and directions from the GFA. It is very support former players to take up clear that for our women to do much coaching roles at various women better, there is the need to do more levels in both club and national in terms of attention and focus, sides. such that the talents of our women Youth Football or Grassroot would be nurtured and developed Football in all areas ; as players, technical personnel, coaches, referees and FIFA requires that training young administrators. players is essential for the future of national and international football. The key to accomplish this, is the Member associations are thus establishment of a very strong, encouraged to have a pyramid functional and well-resourced structure such that players are women’s football desk that would discovered early, their talents seek to improving the management harnessed and taught the necessary and organisation of the current elite skills so they would mature into the league, and also the feasibility of senior teams introducing more competitions at the schools, district and regional I hear this cliché all the time “Colts levels. football is dead.” This is far from the truth. I would say Colts football is Our Women team owners have a not as vibrant as before. Two things peculiar problem in that their game account for this: is not as lucrative as that of the men’s in terms of gate proceeds and 1. The emergence of academies and transfer fees so club owners and 2. our own failure to ensure that our administrators put in a lot without traditional colts’ football is played any meaningful returns. What my in an organised and synchronised administration intend doing is to manner across the country. cushion them from these hardships by introducing intervention policies The National Juvenile Committee such as: abolishing the payment (NJC) in its current form does not of officiating fees, supplying the run any juvenile league. The leagues women’s’ teams with basic logistics are supposed to be run by the such as bibs, footballs, cones etc., various RFAs through the Regional training more female coaches and Juvenile Committees (RJC). The NJC organising refresher courses to thus plays the role of an advisory

15 THE RESTORATION George Kwasi Afriyie - Manifesto board just to formulate policies and reforms at FIFA introducing an age forward them to Exco/Congress cap and the MRI at the U17 level, it is for approval. I believe Colts football my proposal that an entry point for should stand alone. It should not be the registration of players into the under the RFAs. I shall propose the FIFA Connect system should not be setting up of a National Colts League players less than 12 years. This takes Board to oversee the running of away or reduces instances where a colts’ football in the country. I shall player whose real age is 15 and is in ensure that we have a synchronised JHS three would be registered by his calendar where we play our colts football club with the age altered as football taking into consideration 9 or 10 years. the fact that children should attend We have various academies school. In this regard the GFA would nationwide. Most academies do not liaise with the Ghana Education register their players with the GFA Service to ensure successful but have private contracts with the implementation of the program. parents/guardians of these players. The GFA would help with the The few who do, register at the training of youth coaches and regional level as 2nd division teams. further supply the colts teams with Academies are established without footballs and other equipment any supervision or accreditation free or at minimal or subsidised Some academies have boarding cost. Registration of Colts players facilities without inspection. Again, shall be free and shall be a onetime nobody supervises the education registration, which shall be renewed aspect of the academies. I shall task yearly or when a player changes knowledgeable people to regulate club. the activities of all academies as well as create an academy league. We would have a pyramid structure whereby players get selected During my tenure, I would establish from the district to play a district a Youth (Colts) Football Strategic championship and this culminates Policy. This Policy would promote, in a national or regional festival foster and develop football for all where the best players are selected in Ghana. Schools and Colleges to play for their regions in a yearly are the main areas I would target event. creating “access to influence” young aspiring players. There is an obvious I would set up a screening board disconnect between the GFA and for screening to be done before Schools and my aim is to bridge this being entered into our system. With gap once and for all. I shall personally

16 THE RESTORATION George Kwasi Afriyie - Manifesto oversee the re-emergence of Colts the referee and the teams whose football across the country initialling matches they officiate before and dialogue with the GES/Universities after matches; a system where a and among others to re-introduce referee would not carry the match the Academicals concept. result in his own pocket; a system where the outcome of matches are I also plan to introduce and not pre-determined. eventually establish the concept of “Mini Soccer” throughout the I will liaise with the leadership of Districts and Regions. The beauty of RAG to secure training opportunities mini soccer is that the modifications for Referees to enhance their to the game can take place without knowledge and performance. I losing the essence of the game itself. will establish a fully-equipped and Mini Soccer is a way to introduce functional Match Officials Unit to football to children. Children have take over the training, monitoring much more fun and enjoy playing and evaluation of Referees. The the game with a much smaller ball, Referees Committee will oversee team size and modified Laws of the introduction and deployment of the Game. Mini soccer is a game all an Assessment System, a policy that children can actually play and learn essentially requires former Referees from without having to struggle to with high integrity to act in official understand the game that has been capacity as impartial Assessors. This primarily designed for adults. would separate the most competent Referees referees during a season from those who failed to make the approved If we want to grow our game and get standard. We would strive to ensure investor and supporter confidence, adequate security for referees at all then our first port of call would be league centres so they can perform fair officiating. at their optimum best. Under my administration, referees Under my leadership, the GFA would would be educated and encouraged create an independent unit where to carry their referee badges with Referees would be encouraged honour and distinction. I would to report all influences. We would create a system where a referee plan a range of quality products would not rely on any team for that meet the exact and rigorous support or upkeep. Referees would demands of referees at every level of be paid well and promptly for their the game. We would progressively services, a system where there’ is equip the Referees Department minimal or zero contact between with modern clothing and quality

17 THE RESTORATION George Kwasi Afriyie - Manifesto communication gadgets. Enhanced Recognition for players - Both Active (Remuneration) and We shall forge a non-compromising Retired (Welfare, Policy,Technical attitude towards corrupt practices. advisory roles) would be pursued. I In redeeming ourselves, the GFA have said that Ghanaian teams have would adopt a revolutionary the potential of paying a minimum posture for change. It shall not be wage of USD 1000 and we would business as usual. My conviction look at ways of making this a reality. is that Ghanaian referees have the potential to be the best and it is Coaches that potential they must strive to The introduction of the CAF achieve. The Match Review panel Coaching Licensing System has would be strengthened and made been long overdue but equally most more independent. Any referee welcome. This was touted as the who falls foul of the law shall first panacea to the African coaching be suspended. If a referee commits woes, a Licensing System that would a similar or a repeated offence he equal what was being practised in shall be banned from any further Europe and provide the basis for officiating. With these interventions, African countries to appoint African it is my firm belief that this sector coaches to handle local clubs and would see a new drive in winning national teams alike. Unfortunately, back the confidence of the corporate this has not been the case and so world and the entire populace at those who have taken the course large and we would readily have to date are no further forward than sponsors available to see to the they were without it. In order to revamping of the sector. address this trend, the GFA under Players my leadership would, in conjunction with the Deputy General Secretary Players are the principal actors (Technical), the Technical of the game. Without them the Directorate and the Coaches game cannot be played. Player Association of Ghana support welfare would be paramount. I Physical Education Teachers in shall liaise with the Professional schools and Tertiary Institutions Football Association of Ghana and to assist in the development of other stakeholders to decide on students who are gifted in the field fair wages, incentives and bonuses of coaching. Physical Education for players. I would also ensure Teachers, Colts, Women’s, 1st, 2nd that issues of provident fund and and 3rd tier Coaches would be made social security payments are done. to undertake the CAF Licensing

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Coaching Course as their first step of I shall also revisit the issue where the Coaching Pyramid. licences issued are published once the registration window closes so CLUB LICENSING SYSTEM all teams and the world at large shall The principle of the Club Licensing know all their registered players. System remains a very grey area for SECURITY the Ghana Football Association in so far as it has never been applied to Our game is bedevilled with the letter. Our bane is the poor state intimidation and outright of playing pitches and surrounding hooliganism. This is greatly borne environs which defeat the principle by our mindset that a home team of clubs licensing. Clubs shall is entitled to three points as of be educated and encouraged to right. We have supporters who recognise the importance of the with the mistaken belief of helping system and its accompanying a team win its matches, resort to benefits. Additionally, clubs who acts of intimidation, rowdyism are willing and can get their own and vandalism. These negative facilities would be supported. I shall practices do not help our game liaise with Government so that the but rather destroy it. A lot has been Youth Training Centres currently done in the past, but I believe we being built across the country as can do more. I intend to curb this well as the Zongo Community Parks scourge by constantly educating our are made available to our football supporters on the need to uphold teams to play their competitive good values and the negative effects matches there at little or no cost. I of such behaviour on our games. I shall also liaise with well-meaning would advocate for the clubs to have corporate Ghana and sell the idea of volunteers and stewards who would building pitches for this course. serve as the clubs’ own security. My leadership would deepen REGISTRATION the existing relationship with the I shall decentralise the registration Security Services for personnel at all process so a team does not need to our match venues. The allowances travel to Accra before it can register of security personnel would be its players. The online registration looked into and enhanced. of players would be structured to I shall exhort our judicial bodies to handle the process at the various be swift and fair in passing judgment regional FAs. Accordingly, qualified on disciplinary cases brought before personnel would be engaged and them so our members would realise retooled to render this service.

19 THE RESTORATION George Kwasi Afriyie - Manifesto such acts have no place in our game. experienced football personalities I will engage with the Chief Justice from administration, coaches, to set up specialized courts to deal referees and media. firmly with hooliganism. GFA / Government Relationship GOVERNANCE The role of the Government cannot GFA Corporate Governance be understated and a healthy working relationship between the The hallmark of my administration Association and Government is would be Integrity and Initiative. My one that serves as a catalyst for conviction is that, it is only when we development. I appreciate the show a high sense of integrity that essence of having a healthy, thriving we would redeem our lost image. In and fruitful relationship with the addition to the FIFA Code of Ethics, Government based on mutual I shall establish an Anti-Corruption respect, frank and open engagement, Policy for all members of staff as well trust and an insatiable quest to work as Executive Council members and together as partners with a common appointed officials. I would work goal to make our football the most with the Executive Council as a team. successful and healthiest in Africa In appointing personnel to serve on and the world at large. There would the various committees of the GFA, be constant engagement and we shall tap into the rich resources deliberations with the Ministry of of football loving Ghanaians who Youth and Sports in trying to project are professionals and would cast our game and adequately cater for our net wide to get persons with our national teams to avoid friction professional distinctions to serve. and distrust. Government and the I welcome the independence and Public all have interest in association neutrality of our judicial bodies as football and the public’s interest presently enshrined in the Statutes. I must be protected by having a fully shall provide the required leadership functional, bi-partisan and objective to ensure that men of integrity are committee. We shall strive for a nominated at the Executive Council peaceful co-operation that would level to be elected to serve on these ensure that football’s integrity and committees . independence are maintained. I shall advocate for the setting up of GFA/Other Football Associations a Think Tank or an Advisory body Relationship made up of composed of retired Under my leadership, the GFA would enter into Exchange Programmes

20 THE RESTORATION George Kwasi Afriyie - Manifesto and Capacity building at all levels are delivered within five days. with sister Associations for our mutual growth. This would ensure NATIONAL TEAMS healthy relationship that would As an Association our representative underpin our bilateral existence. teams are the Black Maidens (U17), Reforms Black Starlets (U17), Black Princesses (U20), Black Satellites (U20), Black Under my leadership, the GFA Meteors (U23), Black Stars B (CHAN), would pursue reforms relevant to Black Queens and the Black Stars. our circumstances. In pursuing Over the years, the GFA has had and such reforms the interest of the continues to provide the platform GFA shall be paramount. We for unearthing budding talents, would consult broadly and build nurturing and developing them into consensus before submitting formidable National teams capable amendments to Congress for of representing the Nation at all approval. As an improvement to levels of international competitions. the work of the Normalization Committee, we would look at grey As part of enhancing GFA/ areas in the Statutes and take steps Government relationships, to amend them; I would advocate my administration, apart from for the inclusion of a Juvenile Clubs’ improving on what the GFA has Representative on the Executive already been doing to bring up Council and further advocate these talents, shall within the increasing the Vice Presidency to 3 context of the Sports Act engage persons with specialized portfolios. the Ministry of Youth and Sports to holistically address some of The current Statutes were passed these challenges which are not without corresponding Regulations. limited to only branding and Perhaps it was an oversight. As a first sponsorship, inadequate training step, the Executive Council would be facilities, appointment of team tasked to review the old Regulations handlers, monitoring of players and where possible amend to outside, inadequate pre-tournament conform with the requirements in preparations, delayed payment of the current Statutes. bonusses and allowances and poor To ensure a speedy dispensation camping facilities etc. The National of justice as part of the reform Teams are open to all. Selection to processes, I intend to canvas for an the national team would be based amendment of the Regulations so on merit. that ruling in disciplinary matters

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MEDIA to generates income using best business practices. The media are our partners in our quest to grow our beautiful game. Among the measures I propose are: I believe in press freedom and Organization of Ghana Football Fair would keep an open-door policy to bring together corporate Ghana towards all media houses. We and football clubs under one roof to would schedule programs tailored fraternize, socialize and network for towards the education of the media future sponsorship and partnership and run periodic Workshops on the opportunities. operations of the GFA, its affiliate Launching of Development bodies, committees, and members. Fund where a percentage of all We will develop policies that will sponsorships signed by the GFA, ensure members (Clubs) adopt percentage of revenue accrued from media interaction sessions and gate proceeds, and a percentage sensitization programs of their from all transfer fees accrued would brands. Members will also be also be channelled in towards the encouraged to engage the media development positively to enable them to establish and maintain a symbiotic Marketing & Sponsorship relationship that would be to their mutual benefit. In recent times there have been serious challenges in making the The GFA under my administration GFA and its products attractive. would organise periodic press Redeeming our image can only be briefings. Together with the media, made possible if we operate a very we shall pursue a rebranding transparent administration. Having package that would restore the a squeaky-clean image translates lost trust and confidence in Ghana into investor confidence and football and reconcile our game creates a positive image which we with the general public. can leverage on to attract sponsors FUNDING for our competitions and teams. As mentioned earlier we intend to The sources of revenue of our set up a marketing unit to oversee Association is enshrined in our all the marketing aspects of our Statutes. Association. We shall embark on We shall explore the various sponsorship drives and pledge to avenues thereunder and seek give all sponsors we attract, value for

22 THE RESTORATION George Kwasi Afriyie - Manifesto their sponsorship.

CONCLUSION Delegates, Friends and Colleagues. The Journey we have set out for ourselves in this document has been well-thought-out. It has come about not only as a result of my own convictions but represent the views of many football loving Ghanaians who in the course of my interactions with, have shared wonderful ideas, on how we can together, move our Association forward; even to the extent of sending write-ups to be incorporated into this Manifesto. This journey is not going to be easy but with diligence, oneness of purpose and resilience, we shall overcome. I urge all of you to join me in putting our shoulders to the wheel and strive in unison. I believe with one accord we shall succeed. But it all starts with your vote: A vote for George Kwasi Afriyie is a vote for #redemption #revival #restoration

Thank You And God Bless Us All!

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OUTRO With a deep understanding of the structures and workings of the GFA, and also guided by experience over so many years in football, within thirty days upon my election, I will in the spirit of team work table appropriate proposals before the Executive Council for their consideration as they examine the achievables, set short medium and long term targets (within reasonable time limits).

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