Former president of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kwesi Nyantakyi insists that Ghana’s football governing body should be transparent with the media in its activities in order to improve the awareness and support for football in the nation.
The 55-year-old believes that the media plays a key role in promoting football and ensuring that support is rallied to bring the game to its fullest level, especially in difficult circumstances.
Speaking to 3Sports in an interview about the relationship between the current Kurt Okraku-led administration and the Ghanaian media, Nyantakyi suggested that transparency is the best way to improve the situation between the two bodies to ensure the smooth operation of football in the country.
“The media is a key stakeholder in football and we can’t do without the media and these days the media is more vibrant than when I was there and you can’t hide. So it’s better to open up and get them on board properly so that they can help you. Whether you like it or not they have a role to play and you have to clearly involve them and give them that role”, he said.
His remarks come amid a complex dynamic between the media and the current administration of the GFA. Recent tensions have arisen due to the decline in the Black Stars’ performance, prompting the media to heavily criticise the authorities and demand accountability.
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Nevertheless, the GFA has shown resistance to the media’s pressure, citing the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations incident in Ivory Coast as a prime example. There, clashes occurred between the media and the team in the mixed zone following the team’s elimination from the competition.
Meanwhile, Nyantakyi has also expressed his intention to run in the upcoming by-election in the Ejisu constituency this year with the NPP, aiming to return to administrative responsibilities, this time as a Member of Parliament.