Kurt Okraku Reiterates Ambition to Deliver AFCON Glory for Black Stars
Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku has reiterated his burning desire to see the Black Stars return to continental glory, insisting that winning the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) remains a central ambition of his leadership.
Recent years have been more challenging, with early exits at the 2021 and 2023 tournaments and a failure to qualify for the upcoming AFCON in Morocco following a disappointing qualification campaign.
Despite the setbacks, Okraku remains resolute about restoring Ghana’s dominance on the African stage. Speaking on Asaase Radio, he admitted the frustrations but emphasized his unwavering commitment to winning silverware for the nation.
“I want to win the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), and that is the fact. Only God knows the number of times we have tried, and we have not been able to win the AFCON title,” he said.
Okraku stressed that his vision extends beyond the senior national team, highlighting progress across Ghana’s football pyramid during his tenure.
“Basically, I want to win every tournament for Ghana, and I want to place Ghana on the medal podium on any given occasion,” he added.
He pointed to recent successes and renewed competitiveness among Ghana’s national teams as signs of progress.
“We have not won with the Black Stars, but for the U-20, they won the AFCON, and Black Queens won bronze at the WAFCON, and they are back again to compete at the WAFCON next month. The Black Starlets, after a number of years, are back at the AFCON and the Black Princesses just qualified for the last round of the U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers, and hopefully they will be at the World Cup. They have been there two times under my leadership,” Okraku stated.
Looking ahead, the GFA President expressed optimism about Ghana’s future on the global stage, with the Black Stars set to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
With renewed focus and structural reforms underway, Okraku believes Ghana can reclaim its place among Africa’s elite and finally end the long wait for another AFCON crown.
