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Kurt Okraku confident of winning second term as GFA president
Ghana Football Association president, Kurt Okraku remains optimistic about his chances of reclaiming a second term when the association goes to Congress for elections in October 2023.
Okraku was elected into office some four years ago, in October 2019, after he fended off competition from, George Afriyie, Fred Pappoe, and Nana Yaw Amponsah after three rounds of voting to be elected GFA President.
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The renowned football administrator’s first term has been marred with a series of setbacks from the poor attendance of fans in the Ghana Premier League, the banning of the Black Maidens for age cheating, the abysmal performance of BlackStars at the AFCON and World Cup amongst others but despite all these issues, the experienced football administrator remains confident about getting the nod for re-election.
Speaking to SuperSport on his first term as GFA President, he expressed confidence in his achievements for the first term.
“Football will speak just like it did in 2019,” Okraku told Super Sport.
“What I know for a fact is that we have served football to the best of our ability. We were told in the classroom that there’s 24 hours in a day, but football has taught has that there’s more than 24 hours in a day.
“And we have worked more than 24 hours in a day.” he ended.
Okraku will hope to secure victory for a second term to continue his works from the first term when Congress comes into fruition in October,2023.
Ghana’s Sports Minister Kofi Adams has insisted there is no basis for his removal over the ongoing World Cup visa controversy, stressing that no public funds were lost in the matter.
READ MORE : “Its really tough” – Coach Björkegren
Kofi Adams was reacting growing concerns following of VISA issues that have been hanging over the past few weeks in local media.
He stated: “There’s no justification to dismiss me over the World Cup visa scandal, because no government money has been lost.”
The minister’s remarks come amid growing public and political pressure following questions surrounding visa arrangements linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Adams maintained that the absence of any financial loss to the state removes grounds for his dismissal.
READ MORE: Black Queens thrash Mauritius 7-0 in Olympic Qualifiers
In a related development, NSA boss Yaw Ampofo Ankrah was asked to step aside from his role earlier this month by President John Mahama.
Black Queens head coach Lars Kim Björkegren has described the path to qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games as “really tough” but says he “believes in the girls” to get the job done.
The Queens strolled past Mauritius 10-0 to progress to the next phase and now will face Zambia in the third round, scheduled for 23 February to 6 March 2027.
“We have the potential to go all the way,” Björkegren said.
“In football, there is no easy game, especially when it comes to qualifying for the Olympics, as only two countries from Africa will go to Los Angeles.
“It is really tough to get there; we need to win. I believe in the girls, and I think we [will] be there.”
The Black Queens have never qualified for the Olympic Games in the country’s history.
Just two slots are available for African teams.
Former Black Stars midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has voiced concern over the state of football facilities in Ghana, saying inadequate infrastructure is damaging the game’s attractiveness.
The local league’s appeal over the years has dwindled with many calling for immediate action to be taken to salvage the situation.
Speaking to Kumasi based radio station, Ahenfie FM, he expunge on the poor infrastructure in the country which has reduced the appeal of the Ghana Premier League and football in general.
“The poor infrastructure is making our football less attractive.” he ended
His comments highlight ongoing challenges facing the development of football in the country, from grassroots level to the professional game
The 35-year-old, who earned 78 caps and scored 11 goals for the Black Stars between 2008 and 2017, began his career with local sides Berlin FC and Berekum Arsenal before a loan spell at Asante Kotoko.
He later returned to the Ghana Premier League with Accra Great Olympics in 2022–23 after a long career in Europe.
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