By Godwin Owusu Frimpong
Ghanaian football fans have expressed mounting dissatisfaction with the leadership of Kurt Okraku, the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), especially after a series of disappointing performances by the national team, the Black Stars. This frustration has surged since Okraku took office in 2019, a time he himself described as when the sport was “badly damaged.”
At the recent GFA 29th Congress held in Kumasi, Okraku addressed speculation regarding his leadership, stating, “I’m not interested in destroying the brand, Ghana football.” He asserted that his focus is on building and protecting the country’s football legacy. However, many Ghanaians are questioning whether his actions align with his words, especially in light of the national team’s struggles over the last few years.
The decline began to be apparent with the Black Stars’ performance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where expectations were not met. This disappointing trend continued into the African Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, raising concerns about the team’s potential to qualify for upcoming international tournaments, such as AFCON 2025 in Morocco, and the 2026 World Cup.
Compounding these issues is the perception that Okraku’s leadership has been undermined by the influence of figures from the previous regime, including Randy Abbey and others associated with prior GFA president Kwesi Nyantakyi. Critics suggest that these connections, along with allegations of political interference, have contributed to the stagnation of Ghanaian football.
Recent turmoil was exemplified by Okraku’s hasty departure from the team’s camp following a reprimand of senior players before a crucial match against Libya. His choice to prioritize a Satellites friendly in Germany over the urgent must-win match raised eyebrows and deepened public discontent regarding his commitment to the national team.
In light of these events, many fans are left wondering: how much longer will the GFA and its leaders continue to evade accountability? Calls for Okraku’s resignation reflect a broader sentiment that urgent reform is necessary to restore public confidence and re-engage with a passionate football community that feels neglected under the current administration.
With the GFA’s reputation and the future of Ghana’s football hanging in the balance, the question remains—will any substantive change come, or will the disillusionment only deepen?
Godwin Owusu Frimpong
