Profile: New GFA President Kurt Okraku, in his own words
Kurt Okraku has been elected as the new Ghana Football Association (GFA) president.
He won the presidential elections after three rounds of voting at Friday’s Elective Congress held in Accra.
Here is what you need to know about Kwesi Nyantakyi’s successor in his own words:
My name is Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku. The name Okraku definitely rings a bell in the history of football in our beloved Ghana.
It was, therefore, not by coincidence that my experience with the beautiful game started at a very early age (17-year-old) when I formed Shooting Stars FC, a colts club at Achimota. Since then every step I have taken has been in connection with the football industry.
My love for the beautiful game has sent me on a great journey to becoming a sports journalist and seasoned football administrator.
From becoming Chairman of the ever famous colts club, Jawara Babies, to Communication Director of Afienya United FC to being one of the first students.
volunteers as a Sports Presenter/Producer at campus-based Radio Universe while I was studying for my Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Ghana; it has always been football.
I have owned and continue to own a colts football club. I have owned a division three club, successfully owned a division two club, a division one club and been involved in the management of a number of premier league clubs. Thus, I have seen it all at every stage of our football ecosystem and in a position to lead the resolution of the challenges that confront the industry.
Again, from managing the Ghana League Clubs Association to attaining a Masters in Business Administration in football Management from the prestigious University of Liverpool, trained by the very best, I believe I am well prepared for the quest I am embarking on.
I believe that preparation is everything and my resume below depicts my training and development for this moment:
EDUCATION / TRAINING
Ø 2006 – Hospitality and Tourism Management – Manchester Trinity College, UK
Ø 2005 – MBA (Football Management) – University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
Ø 2004 – Microsoft Certified System Engineering – Tech Connect, Manchester,
UK
Ø 2003 – First Aid Course for First Aider – Manchester, UK
Ø 2001 – Advanced Certificate in Marketing – Emile Wool Colleges, London, UK
Ø 2000 – Diploma in Journalism – Ghana Institute of Journalism, Ghana
Ø 1997 – Bachelor of Arts Degree – University of Ghana, Ghana.
Ø 1997 – Certificate of Attendance: Price Water House Associates Course in contracting out and privatization for Ghana Civil Services, Ghana
HIGHLIGHTS OF FOOTBALL EXPEREINCE & ADMINISTRATION
Ø 2018: Chairman, Local Black Stars Committee
Ø 2017-2018: Chairman, MTN FA Cup Committee
Ø 2016-2017: Vice Chairman, MTN FA Cup Committee
Ø 2015–2018: Member, GFA Executive Committee
Ø 2010-2016: Member, MTN FA Cup Committee
Ø 2011-to date: Executive Chairman, Dreams Football Club & its feeder clubs
ü Still Believe FC – 2nd division club,
ü In God We Trust SC – colts club,
ü Dreams Tamale FC – 2nd division club
Ø 2011: General Manager, Wassaman FC
Ø 2009: Formed Dreams Football Club
Ø 2008-2010: Administrative Manager, Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA)
Ø 2006–2007: Communications and Marketing Director, Accra Hearts of Oak SC
Ø 2004-2009: Director, Proton Marketing and Management Service, UK Consultant
Ø 2003-2007: Consultant, Jehovah Nisi International Soccer Promotions, Israel
Ø 2001-2005: Consultant, All Sports Management Consult, Manchester
Ø 1999-2000: Deputy Sports Editor, Network Broadcasting Ltd (Radio Gold)
Ø 1998-19999: Sports Editor, Groove FM, Accra
Ø 1997-1998: Public Relations Department, Ministry of Youth & Sports (Ghana)
Ø 1996-1999: Public Relations Officer, Afienya United FC – Tema, Ghana
Ø 1996-1999: Sports Producer/Presenter, Radio Universe 105.7fm
Ø Early Ages: -Director, Jawara Babies Colts Club
– Owner, Shorting Stars FC Colts Club, Achimota, Accra
PUBLICATIONS & CONFERENCES
Ø 2005 – How can financing of football clubs in Ghana be improved? Liverpool Management School, University of Liverpool, UK
Ø 2005 – Broadcasting Revenue: Has the bubble burst? – Football Industry Group Conference,
Liverpool, UK
Ø 2004 – SOCCEREX- “When football meets business”- Annual Participant in
various countries
Ø 2004 – GOODMANS – Maximizing IP Rights in football Conference – Surrey,
London, UK
