Executive Council Member of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Frederick Acheampong has defended the association’s decision to deny the media access to the 31st Ordinary Congress held at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence.
On Tuesday, August 12, 2025, press members were prevented from entering the auditorium where the Congress took place and were instead made to wait outside until they were briefed after the programme.
The development has sparked controversy, with sections of the media and some members of the public expressing dissatisfaction over the treatment.
However, according to Mr. Acheampong, the decision to have the media wait outside does not amount to a denial, as perceived. He insisted there was nothing wrong with the arrangement.
He explained that similar practices are carried out at both the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA congresses, making it a standard procedure that the GFA was emulating.
“This is done at CAF and FIFA, so I don’t see anything wrong, and besides, the auditorium was full,” he said on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show.
Mr. Acheampong further noted that the decision was based on logistical reasons and aligned with CAF and FIFA protocols.
“The media were not denied access, but we felt that allowing them inside the auditorium would not be the best thing since the Hall is not spacious enough.
The media will come there with cameras and other people to help them, so we decided to let them stay away from the Hall, but we held a presser for them after the Congress, which we did,” he added.
The Congress, among many things saw a major constitutional amendment, with delegates voting to extend the controversial GFA presidential term limit from two to three mandates.
