Kwesi Appiah steps down from GFA ExCo over conflict of interest debate

James Kwesi Appiah, head coach of Sudan’s national football team, has temporarily stepped down from his role as a member of the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) Executive Council following concerns raised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) over a potential conflict of interest. 

This decision comes ahead of Ghana’s crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against Sudan on October 10 and 14, 2024.

Appiah, who secured his place on the GFA ExCo in 2023 as a representative of Premier League side Kumasi Asante Kotoko, has been under increasing scrutiny since taking up the Sudan national team coaching position earlier this year.

Appiah’s dual roles have sparked widespread debate, especially with Ghana and Sudan both competing in the same group for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers. Critics have questioned the impartiality of his continued participation in GFA matters while simultaneously leading Sudan’s campaign.

The issue reached a boiling point when CAF officially intervened, prompting Appiah to make a decision on which position to relinquish.

CAF’s directive

CAF’s concerns were formalised in a letter signed by Felix Majani, CAF’s Director of Legal Affairs. The letter stated that Appiah’s dual roles were in violation of both CAF statutes and FIFA’s Code of Ethics, presenting a significant conflict of interest ahead of the AFCON qualifiers.

“As you are aware, Ghana and Sudan are in the same group for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers. To preserve the integrity of the competition, I urge you to take immediate steps to resolve this conflict of interest,” Mr Majani stated emphatically in the letter.

In response to the directive, Coach Appiah has opted to temporarily step down from his position on the GFA Executive Council until the end of November 2024.

His aide, Asante Forkuo, confirmed the decision on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), stating: “Coach Kwasi Appiah has temporarily stepped aside as an Executive Council Member of the GFA until the end of November 2024.”

Black Stars begin preparations

Meanwhile, Black Stars head coach Otto Addo and his technical team have begun preparations at the Accra Sports Stadium ahead of Thursday’s much-anticipated clash against the Nile Crocodiles of Sudan.

Players who featured in the training session included Mohammed Kudus, Fatawu Issahaku, Mohammed Salisu, Elisha Owusu, Antoine Semenyo, Jojo Wollacott, Isaac Afful, Brandon Thomas-Asante, and Jordan Ayew, who arrived in Accra last Sunday.

The remaining squad members were expected to arrive in Ghana yesterday, adding to the intensity of preparations as the Black Stars aim to secure their spot in the next AFCON tournament amidst the backdrop of this unfolding drama surrounding Coach Kwasi Appiah.