The chairman of the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA), Cudjoe Fianoo, has advised the Ghana Football Association to learn from existing models on the continent in implementing the Autonomous League concept.
In an exclusive interview with Asaase Radio 99.5, Cudjoe Fianoo said it would be prudent for the GFA to learn from existing modules, while being mindful of its own dynamics.
‘‘I believe, on issues like this, it is wise to consider what has happened elsewhere. Others have done this before, so what you do is try to understand what modules worked the trick for them and why those modules were good.
“If, after such study, you realise that the modules you considered would fit into your setting, you adopt. It is important you do this in order not to make avoidable mistakes,’’ Fianoo said.
Financial capacity
The former Ashantigold SC chief executive however cautioned the GFA to be mindful of Ghana’s economic situation and members’ interests.
“In all of this, we also have to remember we are a ‘third world’ country. Therefore, in choosing which modules to adopt and tweak, we need to remember that [our] success may depend on the prevailing economic conditions, which directly affect the clubs.
“We have to admit … that the football economy is not an island on its own. What happens in the national economy has a direct bearing on our clubs.
“So we need to consider that and the financial capacity of our clubs, our culture and how the economy affects football business,” he said.
Planning the rulebook
In May, the GFA announced plans to make its flagship competition; the Ghana Premier League, an autonomous entity.
To this end, the GFA’s executive council approved a five-member advisory committee to counsel the Association on the format for the Autonomous League, and the modalities, start date and rulebook, among other considerations.
The advisory committee is chaired by Togbe Afede XIV, and has among its members Toni Aubynn, a GFA Executive Council member, and the chairman of the Club Licensing Board, Kwame Baah-Nuakoh. Other members are Eric Delali Senaye, vice-president of Inter Allies Football Club, and John Ansah, operations manager of Cape Coast Mysterious Ebusua Dwarfs Football Club.
The advisory committee met for the first time on Monday 15 June, and has been working feverishly since.
Victor Tamakloe
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