Accra, Jan. 6, GNA - The Ministry of Education and Sports on Friday congratulated Mr Kwesi Nyantekyi, on his election as the first-ever president of the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

Mr Nyantekyi, former acting Chairman of the GFA beat four other candidates including Executive Council Chairman Mr Y. A. Ibrahim, with 91 of the 123 votes.

A Statement signed by Mr O. B. Amoah, a Deputy Ministry of the Ministry said: "we believe your untiring efforts and diligence in running Ghana football as acting chairman greatly contributed to your overwhelming endorsement and resounding victory at the election on December 30, last year."

It expressed the hope that the GFA and the ministry would continue to enjoy the fruitful relationship, which largely contributed to the unprecedented success story of the Black Stars' maiden qualification to the FIFA World Cup to be staged in Germany in summer.

The statement also recognised the cordial relationship between the two, which has helped in the promulgation of new statutes, lucrative sponsorship, and positive development for Ghana football. "We wish the association the very best of the year, which promises to be exciting and challenging," the statement added.

The election was part of FIFA's reform programme to replace the three-tier structure of the GFA- the Management Board, the Executive Council and Congress - with Executive Committee headed by the President in conformity with other associations in the world.

The 23-man Executive Committee would be inaugurated on Friday, January 13, at the Wangara Hotel in Accra. The body meets at later date to elect its own vice President.