A Ghana Football Association (GFA) interactive session with sports journalists in Kumasi became unpleasant when a journalist and a security guard turned the hotel where the conference was being held into a boxing arena.

The fisticuffs between the two at the entrance to the conference hall of Marigold Hotel in Kumasi occurred in the full glare of GFA officials at the function.

DAILY GUIDE SPORTS gathered that the security personnel's attempt to deny the journalist, Prince Adu Acheampong alias Maestro, entry into the conference hall resulted in the brawl.

Officials of the GFA who witnessed the incident included Lawyer Kwesi Nyantakyi, GFA President, his vice, Mr. Fred Pappoe, Randy Abbey, Spokesperson, Mr. George Amoako, Executive Member, and Mr. Awuah Nyamekye, chairman of the Starlets Management Committee.

The press conference, which was held last Friday, was aimed at discussing the current state and way-forward for Ghana soccer especially as the CAN 2008 football tournament approached.

Barely five minutes after Lawyer Nyantakyi, GFA president had started briefing journalists, Maestro, an employee of Angel FM, a local radio station, stormed the venue and attempted to force his way into the conference room.

But the security man whose name DAILY GUIDE SPORTS could not readily confirm, would not allow him in, with the ensuing quarrel between them bringing all activities to an abrupt end.

It took nearly 10 minutes to cool tempers down and restore calm to the conference hall. Bright Kankam, also of Angel FM rendered unqualified apologies to the GFA officials.

Shocked at the development, Mr. Randy Abbey, GFA Spokesperson who did not take kindly to the nasty incident, noted that it was an unpardonable and unprofessional act which should not recur.

He advised sports journalists in the city to be serious with their work and shun unprofessional acts that would tarnish the noble image of the journalism profession.

Addressing the conference, Lawyer Nyantakyi gave the assurance that the GFA was determined to discourage the use of hard drugs among players so as to ensure their safety.

He advised footballers to shun the smoking of Indian hemp, cigarettes and drinking of alcoholic beverages and rather train seriously to enable them perform well.

According to him, his administration was considering developing soccer at the youth level, and to make it realizable, the GFA had embarked on a 4-year programme aimed at unearthing soccer talents.

He hinted that some talented male and female footballers in the under 12, 15 and 17 categories had been selected nationwide, adding that the players would form the nucleus of the proposed "Soccer School of Excellence" which would be based in Accra and Kumasi.

Mr. Fred Pappoe, GFA Vice President on his part deflated assertions that the senior national team, the Black Stars was playing weak teams as part of preparations toward the CAN 2008 tournament.