GFA Took Difficult But Necessary Decisions After AFCON Qualification Failure- Kurt Okraku

President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, has revealed that the Executive Council was forced to make some difficult yet necessary decisions following the Black Stars’ failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

For the first time in over two decades, Ghana, four-time African champions, will not feature at the continental showpiece, which is set to take place in Morocco later this year. The setback prompted widespread criticism from fans and football analysts alike.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show on Friday, October 24, Okraku explained that the GFA leadership took decisive steps to address the situation and rebuild the team’s competitiveness.

“The Executive Council met and made tough decisions to change things around the Black Stars because we engaged stakeholders before arriving at the final decision, and over time, we have been justified,” he stated.

The GFA President noted that the changes have already begun to yield positive results, pointing to the team’s improved performances in recent fixtures.

“The Black Stars went through a series of qualifications, and we are scoring goals, which proves that the Black Stars have improved, and it also shows that we were honest in dealing with the issues,” he added.

Mr. Okraku also took personal responsibility for the disappointment, stressing that leadership means being accountable even in difficult moments.

“I owned up after failing to qualify for the AFCON,” he admitted.

Despite the painful episode, the Black Stars have bounced back strongly in 2025, sealing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Ghana will find out their group-stage opponents on December 5, as preparations continue for their return to the global stage.