GFA CALLS ON PARLIAMENT TO REVIEW BAN ON ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE SPONSORSHIP
The Select Committee on Youth and Sports, chaired by Henry Ernest Norgbey, this morning met officials from the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to discuss efforts aimed at restoring public confidence in the Black Stars and the state of Ghanaian football in general.
In his remarks, GFA President, Mr. Kurt Okraku, appealed to the Committee to assist with the review of the ban on sports sponsorship by alcoholic beverage companies.
According to him the Food and Drugs AAuthority's (FDA) restriction had cost the Association sponsorship opportunities, while other international football leagues continued to receive sponsorship from alcoholic beverage companies.
He emphasised that the GFA had lost a $5 million sponsorship deal with Guinness Ghana because of the restrictions and urged Parliament to consider how the policy is affecting funding for sports development.
Mr. Okraku told the Committee that poor playing surfaces, inadequate stadium facilities and weaknesses in technical support staff were hampering the national teams’ chances of winning trophies at major international tournaments.
He asked the government to scrap import duties on uniforms for the Black Stars to reduce the cost of preparing the team for international competitions.
The Chairman of the Committee assured the GFA delegation of their support in helping to strengthen sports in the country.
