Ibrahim Sannie Daara Urges GFA to Reconsider Charges Against Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom
Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) spokesperson, Ibrahim Sannie Daara, has called on the GFA to reassess its decision to charge Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom, owner of Elmina Sharks, following a violent incident at the Nduom Sports Stadium.
The incident occurred on Sunday, February 16, 2025, during a Division One League match between Elmina Sharks and All Blacks. The game ended in a 1-0 victory for All Blacks after they were awarded a penalty. However, tensions escalated after the match, leading to an altercation involving the referee.
Dr. Nduom later took to social media to express his dissatisfaction with the officiating. In response, the GFA charged him with violating Division One League regulations and the GFA Disciplinary Code. The association accused him of inciting violence among players, officials, and fans, which they claim resulted in misconduct and tarnished the reputation of Ghana football.
Speaking on Asempa FM, Sannie Daara highlighted the critical role business figures like Dr. Nduom play in the development of Ghanaian football. He urged the GFA to reconsider pursuing the charges, stressing that diplomacy and patience are sometimes more effective than punitive measures.
“We need people like Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom to invest in our game. Regardless of what has happened, it shouldn’t always be about charging people,” he stated.
Sannie Daara also pointed out that reports suggest Dr. Nduom actually stepped onto the pitch to calm the crowd, rather than incite violence. He emphasized the need for a more pragmatic and diplomatic approach in handling such matters.
The Senior CAF Media Officer further warned that if Dr. Nduom decided to withdraw his support from the club due to frustration, it could have serious repercussions on the Division One League.
“What if he gets frustrated and dissolves the team? He has his own stadium, and the GFA should consider these things. Any decision he makes will affect the Division One League, and we must also remember that he has previously sponsored the league,” he explained.
While acknowledging that Dr. Nduom may have made mistakes, Sannie Daara maintained that diplomatic solutions should be explored rather than direct sanctions.
“Maybe he is wrong, but sometimes, diplomacy is needed to resolve such issues,” he concluded.
As the situation unfolds, Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom has until Wednesday, February 19, 2025, to formally respond to the GFA’s charges. The football community is keenly watching to see how the GFA will handle this issue and whether it will reconsider its stance following calls for leniency