President Kicks Against Interference

The President of the Republic, John Evans Atta Mills has pledged his government's commitment not to interfere with the administration of the game. Some discussions in the media have focused on the mandate of the Ghana Football Association and the role of the State. Though an independent body which draws some support from the State, the FA has come under attack with certain analysts close to government mooting for the involvement of the State in the administration of the game which is against the tenets of the sport governing body, Fifa. An unsigned document purporting to be government's position on the administration of football has been discussed in the media recently. The document questions the FA�s Statutes and seeks to argue for overhaul which will give government a broader role in the running of the game. But the President on Thursday assured the sports fraternity that his administration would not meddle in the management of the game. �An Atta-Mills government will not interfere with sports administration in this country, once the rules of transparency and accountability are observed,� the President said when announced a US$750,000 package to the Black Satellites, the new world U-20 champions. �However, we would want honesty, oneness and openness from all stakeholders,� the President added.