Ghanaian Footballers Allegedly Had to Pay Bribes to Play For National Team

Ghanaian FA president, Kurt Okraku, is accused of running a complex pay-to-play scheme, where players must transfer to teams he owns to have a chance of being called up for the national team.

For the first time in 20 years, Ghana’s national football team failed to qualify for the African Nations Cup (AFCON), crashing out with zero wins and losses to Angola, Sudan, and Niger.

The fallout has been seismic, exposing what many describe as a deep-rooted culture of corruption and cronyism at the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

The GFA president, Kurt Okraku, in power since 2019, stands accused of running a pay-to-play racket where players reportedly had to pay bribes or sign contracts with clubs he owns to make national squads.

So, how did one of Africa's proudest football nations hit such a low?

Long List of Allegations

On November 16, Ghana’s 1-1 draw with Angola sealed their AFCON exit, and within 48 hours, the allegations began. Former Black Stars strikers Prince Tagoe and Anthony Yeboah, both national icons, leveled damning accusations at the GFA.

“There are cartels at the GFA…if a coach comes and doesn’t listen to these ‘cartels’ surrounding the team, then when results start …