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| Bonsu targets top GFA post |
11/6/2005 |
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All the uncertainty about Kojo Bonsu''s intentions vanished like a galloping ghost on Friday when the former national team manager told BBC Sport that he wants to become the next chairman of the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
Although other candidates appear reluctant to say firmly whether they will contest forthcoming GFA elections, Bonsu firmly tossed his hat in the ring and challenged "anyone who wants to be chairman" to follow his example.
"I''m the first to announce my candidacy because months after Fifa made the call for new elections in Ghana, no one seems to be doing anything about it," Bonsu, 48, told BBC Sport.
The former Black Stars team manager said if he had his way, the elections would be held quickly though not in haste, in accordance with a long-standing Fifa directive.
Indeed, there has been no word from the current interim executive of Kwesi Nyantekyi on when the Fifa order would be complied with, and Bonsu said he hopes his decision to break cover may force the issue.
"Fifa told us to hold elections within three months and that was five months ago. Nothing is happening at the moment and I think we should move because Fifa believes in democracy.
"The impression that no one wants the job is misleading and this is something that I want to break because I know that I''m not the only one keen to be chairman of the GFA."
He rejected suggestions that his decision to run for office was influenced by Germany 2006, saying he has always had "a burning desire" to lead Ghana football.
"Yes, some people might think that I''m doing this because of the World Cup but that''s simply not true. Everyone in Ghana knows that I''ve tried a few times before but failed because the nominations were done by the government.
"I have no interest in being a World Cup chairman. I''m looking beyond the finals in Germany because I want to see change in the direction of Ghana football, especially at youth level.
"I have extensive business contacts which make it possible for me to offer the national team all the big international matches they will need to prepare for the World Cup.
"I can also use these contacts to get sponsorship and develop our youth football because that''s the future."
As a director of Premier League side Real Tamale United and a fervent supporter of Asante Kotoko, Bonsu has widespread name recognition in Ghana.
But he knows that he will not be the only candidate for a job where the stakes have risen considerably since the Black Stars qualified for both Egypt 2006 and Germany 2006.
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