Kurt Okraku Confident in Ghana Football’s Bright Future Despite Challenges
President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Edwin Simeon Okraku, has reaffirmed his confidence in the steady progress of Ghanaian football, emphasizing that the nation’s game remains on a strong upward path despite recent disappointments.
Speaking at a press soiree on Tuesday evening at the Gold Coast Restaurant in Accra, Okraku took the opportunity to express deep appreciation to the Ghanaian media for their continued dedication, constructive criticism, and passion for the sport.
“I want to thank each and every one of you for the massive show of support,” he said.
“I also want to thank those who criticise us, and plead that it’s done constructively, because your input helps us build a stronger football ecosystem.”
Reflecting on the events of 2024, the GFA President acknowledged that it was a year filled with challenges — notably, the Black Stars’ failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations — but insisted that Ghana football remains in a promising phase of growth and recovery.
“We’ve gone through many phases, but I am confident that the future of Ghana football is extremely bright,” Okraku stated.
He highlighted that the Black Stars’ qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be hosted across the USA, Canada, and Mexico, marks a pivotal step in Ghana’s football resurgence and reflects renewed belief within the national team setup.
Okraku also applauded the achievements of other national teams during the year. He commended the Black Queens for their impressive third-place finish at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, and lauded the Black Starlets for earning qualification to the 2026 Africa U-17 Championship, marking a triumphant return to continental youth football.
According to him, these successes are a testament to the resilience, unity, and collective strength driving the next phase of Ghana football’s development.
Okraku concluded by reiterating his commitment to continued collaboration with stakeholders — including the media, fans, and football administrators — to ensure that Ghana’s game thrives at all levels.
