Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku believes the domestic game has made “significant progress” over the past six years, despite taking office during one of the most turbulent periods in the sport’s history.
Ghana football was plunged into crisis in 2018 following a far-reaching corruption scandal that shook the foundations of the game and culminated in the resignation of former GFA President Kwesi Nyantakyi. The fallout led to the suspension of football activities nationwide and triggered sweeping reforms.
In response, FIFA, in collaboration with the Government of Ghana, installed a Normalisation Committee tasked with stabilising the sport, restructuring governance systems, and restoring credibility ahead of fresh elections.
That transition phase ended in 2019 when Okraku was elected to lead the association, inheriting a fractured football landscape alongside heightened public scrutiny.
“We took over the sport at a very challenging time,” Okraku told GFA Media. “We had lost our president, there were misunderstandings across the football fraternity, and we went through a very difficult election period. Just when we thought we would settle, COVID disrupted football globally for over two years. It was a very difficult period for the Ghanaian game.”
Despite the obstacles, Okraku insists the GFA has laid a stronger foundation for long-term growth, pointing to renewed unity within the football ecosystem.
“As a football family, we have united, we have come together, and we have stayed together over time. The result is that we have successfully energised our football ecosystem and reignited passion among club owners, supporters, and players.”
The GFA President highlighted several initiatives he says underscore the progress made under his leadership. These include the revival of grassroots competitions, the restructuring of Colts football, expanded academy development through FIFA partnerships, and the introduction of free coaching education programmes for Colts and female coaches.
Okraku also cited increased logistical and administrative support for Regional Football Associations (RFAs), alongside improved visibility and commercial momentum for the Ghana Premier League.
While acknowledging that challenges remain, he expressed optimism about the direction of Ghana football.
“This is not to say there are no challenges,” he noted. “But with the unity we have in the industry, our tomorrow will be better than our today. Ghana football is back on the right path.”