GFA boss seeks review of alcoholic beverage sponsorship ban in meeting with Prez Akufo-Addo
In a meeting with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at the Jubilee House, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku appealed for a review of the law prohibiting alcoholic beverage companies from sponsoring football competitions in Ghana.
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Simeon-Okraku, was at the Jubilee House to officially introduce members of the newly elected Council to him and seek support in their quest to provide equitable leadership to bring Ghana football back to the top.
He presented a comprehensive proposal outlining key issues crucial to the development of football in the country. The proposals touched on various aspects of football, including corporate support, grassroots development, stadium renovations, and government policies.
Simeon-Okraku highlighted the importance of activating the legislative framework for corporate support and suggested the introduction of an attractive tax waiver program for companies investing $2 million in football annually.
He stressed the need for significant government investment in Grassroots Football Development, proposing a policy to support each of the 10 regions with $5 million annually.
Addressing the state of national stadia, Simeon-Okraku urged urgent renovations and the introduction of sustainable operating models. He also proposed a collaborative effort between the government and the GFA for the One District, One Turf program.
To enhance the capabilities of football clubs, Simeon-Okraku suggested a 3% VAT levy on clubs, aligning them with the entertainment industry.
Additionally, he recommended government assistance in acquiring buses for the national teams and financial support for travel budgets of clubs participating in continental competitions.
President Akufo-Addo pledged to take action on the proposals, expressing his commitment to advancing football development in the country. He took the opportunity to wish the Black Stars success at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote D'Ivoire.
"Congratulations are in order on your re-election as President of the GFA, and also to the new Council, I want to congratulate you on winning your various seats to serve on the Board," President Akufo-Addo said.
"As an avid football fan, I am very much aware of the challenges that confront us, as results have not been good in recent games. But you can count on me for the necessary support. "
"We have some very good talents scattered across the globe, so I don't understand why we shouldn't perform in tournaments."
"Ghanaians are obsessed with football, and you have the mandate of ensuring that our game is on the right path. We have the Africa Cup of Nations in a few days, and it is our responsibility to give the technical team and the playing body the needed support to succeed in neighbouring Cote D'Ivoire''.
"It's been forty-one years since Ghana won the Africa Cup of Nations. If my memory serves me right, we have played in a couple of finals in recent times and lost on penalties in 2015. Expectations are very high, so let's do our best to make this tournament a success," President Akufo-Addo added.
Simeon-Okraku was accompanied by members of the GFA Executive Committee including Vice President Mark Addo, Dr. Randy Abbey, Nana Sarfo Oduro, Dr. Gifty Oware-Mensah, Samuel Aboabire, Kingsley Osei Bonsu, James Kwasi Appiah, Alhaji Abu Hassan, Gideon Fosu, and Eugene Nobel to the Jubilee House.
