Mr. Amaju Pinnick, Executive Council Member of the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA), has called for peace and adherence to regulations among aspirants ahead of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) elective congress scheduled for Thursday, October 5, 2023, in Tamale.
Mr. Pinnick, a former President of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and part of FIFA's committee supervising the upcoming elections, addressed concerns surrounding Mr. George Afriyie's disqualification from the elections.
The GFA's elections committee cited a breach of conduct during Afriyie's nomination process, which has led to speculation about the Congress proceeding as planned.
At a press conference, Mr. Pinnick emphasized his responsibility to ensure a peaceful and rule-abiding election process, stating, “It is my responsibility that there is peace and strict adherence to our statutes. As a football stakeholder, you have to take it upon yourself not to jeopardize the process by following a due process to the end.”
Highlighting the unifying power of football for the nation, Mr. Pinnick urged all stakeholders to contribute positively to the success of the elections, avoiding any interference or actions that might draw sanctions from FIFA or tarnish Ghanaian football's image.
“If aspirants rather work together, football would develop in Ghana. Let's keep an open mind, and at the end of the day, we would all applaud what would happen,” he added.
Mr. Pinnick also called upon the media to report responsibly and fairly to prevent any misunderstandings among participants in the election process.
Acknowledging the dedication of the GFA's elections committee in ensuring a successful elective congress, Mr. Pinnick held meetings with key stakeholders, including the Minister for Youth and Sports, Mr. Mustapha Ussif, and Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Youth, Sports, and Culture, Mr. Kwaku Agyenim-Boateng. He was joined by FIFA's Director of Member Associations for Africa, Gelson Fernandes, FIFA Development Program Coordinator for Member Associations Africa, Silmara Sousa, and FIFA MA Governance Services Manager, Ahmed Harraz.
Mr. Pinnick's call for peaceful and fair elections reflects FIFA's commitment to maintaining integrity and adherence to regulations in football associations worldwide.
Reporting by Francis Ofori: Editing by Adewale Adejoke