Dreams FC head coach, Abdul Karim Zito, has backed Kwesi Appiah, amidst criticism regarding his dual role as coach and a member of the Executive Council (ExCo) of the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
Following the unveiling of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Appiah, who previously coached the Ghana Black Stars, is facing pressure to resign from the ExCo due to concerns over a potential conflict of interest.
Ghana and Sudan have been drawn into Group F alongside Angola and Niger.
However, Zito, speaking to Graphic Sports said Kwasi Appiah was a professional who should be allowed to carry out his duties without undue interference.
“People are talking about Kwesi Appiah but I don’t see why they should be talking about him. Those in the ExCo are they not having clubs? Kwasi is a professional coach and the ExCo doesn’t pay him”, Zito told Graphic Sports.
He pointed out that Appiah’s role as a coach did not conflict with his position on the ExCo, especially since he is not financially compensated by the ExCo, and that they were aware of his coaching commitments when he contested and won his election.
“The ExCo knew Kwasi was still in coaching and yet they allowed him to stand election which he won before he had this opportunity”, he said.
Zito pointed to perceived hypocrisy in demanding Appiah’s resignation when other ExCo members also have affiliations with clubs.
He supported Appiah’s right to continue in both roles and urged him to focus on his coaching responsibilities.
Zito expressed confidence in Appiah’s abilities and acknowledged that if Sudan were to defeat Ghana during the qualifiers, it would be part of the competitive nature of football.
“For me, I am behind Kwasi one hundred per cent, he should keep quiet and do his job, if he is able to beat us, fine and if we also beat him fine.”
The 2025 AFCON qualifiers have been slated for September later this year.
