George Afriyie Explains the Breakdown of the $7.5M FIFA Funds Received by the GFA Over Four Years

George Afriyie, the former Vice President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has provided a detailed breakdown of the sponsorship funds received by the GFA under the leadership of President Kurt Okraku over the past four years. His revelations shed light on the substantial financial support the GFA has received from football’s global governing body, FIFA, as well as other sponsorship partners. Afriyie’s disclosure comes amid concerns about the use and distribution of these funds.

Afriyie shared that the GFA, during Okraku’s tenure, has received a total of $7.5 million from FIFA between 2020 and 2024. The funds were intended to support various activities and projects within the Ghanaian football community, including the development of clubs and other football-related initiatives. According to Afriyie, a document he acquired revealed the exact amounts received by the GFA each year from FIFA.

In 2020, when Kurt Okraku assumed office as president, the GFA received $1.7 million from FIFA. This amount included $1 million designated for general activities, $500,000 allocated for special projects, and an additional $200,000 for the purchase of equipment. Afriyie noted that the financial support provided by FIFA in 2020 set the stage for a continued flow of funds over the subsequent years.

In 2021, the GFA received $1.8 million from FIFA, marking an increase in funding. However, in 2022, the funding dropped slightly to $1.7 million. Despite this dip, the GFA received the largest sum in 2024, with FIFA contributing $2.3 million, bringing the total amount received by the GFA from FIFA over the four years to $7.5 million.

Afriyie’s breakdown of the funding reveals the significant role that FIFA has played in supporting the GFA’s activities. However, he also emphasized that these funds are not exclusively for the benefit of the GFA officials, but rather to aid the development of football across Ghana, particularly at the grassroots and club levels. In addition to FIFA’s contributions, Afriyie highlighted that the GFA also receives financial support from other key sponsors, including PUMA and CAF, which help sustain the operations of Ghanaian football.

With his insights into the funding process, Afriyie aims to ensure transparency regarding how these funds are allocated and used. He indicated that he plans to share the document outlining the details of the funds with owners of football clubs across Ghana. By doing so, he hopes to inform them about the financial support the GFA receives, urging them to understand that the resources provided by FIFA and other sponsors are intended to benefit the entire football community, not just the GFA administration.

Afriyie’s actions suggest that he is trying to foster greater accountability within the GFA. In a statement made during an interview with Oyerepa FM, he expressed his intention to make sure that football club owners are aware of the GFA’s financial backing, particularly in relation to the sponsorship funds it receives. According to Afriyie, this awareness will help club owners understand the extent of the GFA’s resources and ensure that they do not mistakenly believe that these funds are for the personal benefit of the president or other officials within the organization.

Afriyie’s comments reflect ongoing concerns about the transparency and management of funds within the GFA. His push for accountability seems to be part of a broader effort to highlight potential issues within the current administration and to ensure that sponsorship money is used effectively for the development and promotion of football in Ghana. His focus on informing club owners is a critical step in ensuring that all stakeholders understand the resources available to the GFA and how they are being utilized. By sharing this information, Afriyie hopes to encourage greater collaboration and a more transparent approach to the management of Ghanaian football’s finances.