GFA President Commits To Reforming And Upgrading Existing Beach Soccer Structures

The Chairman of the Ghana FA Beach Soccer Committee has reaffirmed his support for the GFA led by President Kurt Okraku  following consultations with key Beach Soccer stakeholders in Accra.

Yaw Ampofo Ankrah made the pronouncement after beach soccer club owners, officials and other stakeholders cried foul at the composition of a Management Committee they felt did not fully represent them.

However, after engaging the GFA President and  other top officials, Ampofo Ankrah appealed to the beach soccer fraternity to remain calm.

"I wish to revert to same medium to acknowledge and applaud the efforts of the GFA President in addressing the concerns  raised by inviting me for a "clear the air" talks.

Along with the Gen Secretary and Vice Gen Secretary (Prosper Harrison Addo & Alex Asante), assurances have been given per the new roles appointed to members of the committees.

It means Ampofo Ankrah will now serve as Chairman of main GFA Beach Soccer Committee and Vice Chairman of the Black Shark Management Committee.

"I have accepted both appointments as a duty and an honour to continue to serve".

He added that he's  communicated to executives and the wider beach soccer stakeholders across the regions.

"I have assured President Okraku that he and his administration have my full support and that of every one involved in the transformation of Beach Soccer through the channels of the GFA".

On a philosophical note,  the Beach Soccer Chairman said he would continue to work and fight in the joint interest of beach soccer and mainstream association football.

"We cannot fail because we have already been assured victory. However, victory must be fought for and protected. It is never given on a silver platter".

On clubs and national teams development policy, Ampofo Ankrah said he is confident that the key fundamental developmental pillars of Ghana Beach Soccer would be respected and strengthened with the endorsement and support of the GFA.

"Obviously we cannot compromise on the need to invest back into local communities where the game originates".

He explained that at every level of operation, local youth, local resources, skills and local services must be considered first.

Training, upgrading and support of relevant personnel would be essential to deliver on this all important development principle.

Beach Soccer community players and clubs must be motivated to deliver at their  maximum consistently with the knowledge that their efforts would be recognized, appreciated and rewarded with a possible invitation to the national team - Black Sharks.

According to Ampofo Ankrah, this policy does not alienate or exclude other amateurs, semi professional or indeed professional footballers  evolving to beach soccer from lower division or premier league teams.

Ampofo Ankrah said he is confident that the key fundamental developmental pillars of Ghana Beach Soccer would be respected and strengthened with the endorsement and support of the GFA.

"Obviously we cannot compromise on the need to invest back into local communities where the game originates".

He explained that at every level of operation, local youth, local resources, skills and local services must be considered first.

Training, upgrading and support of relevant personnel would be essential to deliver on this all important development principle.

Beach Soccer community players and clubs must be motivated to deliver at their  maximum consistently with the knowledge that their efforts would be recognized, appreciated and rewarded with a possible invitation to the national team - Black Sharks.

According to Ampofo Ankrah, this policy does not alienate or exclude other amateurs, semi professional or indeed professional footballers  evolving to beach soccer from lower division or premier league teams.