Former coach of Ghana’s senior national team, James Kwesi Appiah, has been elected to serve on the Executive Committee of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), despite an offer to coach the Sudanese national team.
At an elective Congress of the FA held at the Global Dream Hotel in the Northern regional capital Tamale on Thursday, Mr. Appiah polled 10 votes out of 18 to join the nine-member Executive Committee, which includes the president.
He becomes one of the few retired Ghanaian players to have been appointed to the executive level of the FA.
Appiah contested the portfolio on the ticket of club side Asante Kotoko, a club from which he played and earned legendary status.
He had been pointed to the technical director of the club, making him eligible to contest.
However, shortly after declaring his intention to contest the position, Appiah found himself at a crossroads when he received an enticing offer from the Sudanese Football Association to coach their national team.
Despite his potential departure to coach abroad, the football community in Ghana recognises Appiah’s valuable contributions to the sport and feels that his experience and expertise would be an asset to the association.
During the election, Appiah’s candidature faced initial scepticism due to the uncertainty surrounding his coaching future. However, his track record and dedication to Ghanaian football won over the voters, resulting in his election to an influential position within the GFA’s hierarchy.
Reacting to his victory, he expressed his gratitude for the support shown by the delegates and pledged to continue working towards the development and growth of Ghanaian football.
He assured both the GFA and the football-loving citizens of Ghana that, regardless of his decision regarding Sudan, his commitment to promoting Ghanaian football remained unwavering.
The news of Appiah’s election and his potential departure to coach the Sudanese national team has sparked mixed reactions among football enthusiasts. Some view Appiah’s selection to the executive committee as a positive step towards utilising his vast knowledge and experience within the local football administration. However, others argue that accepting the Sudanese offer while holding a position within the GFA could create conflicts of interest and potentially hinder the progress of Ghanaian football.
Appiah, who led the Black Stars from 2012 to 2019, was highly regarded for his dedication to Ghanaian football and his efforts to advance the team on the international stage. His tenure saw notable achievements, including guiding the team to the quarterfinals of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and leading them to the World Cup in Brazil in 2014.
