By: Mudasiru Abdul Yakeen
On Monday, November 18, 2024, Niger national team beat the Ghana Black Stars by 2 goals to 1 at the Accra Sports Stadium in the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier making it six games without a win for the Ghana national team.
Angola had already shattered the dreams of the Black Stars by drawing 1-1 ending the dreams of hopes of the Black Stars to qualify for AFCON 2025.
The Ghana Black Stars’ failure to qualify for AFCON 2025 has sent shockwaves throughout the nation, leaving fans and stakeholders alike calling for drastic change.
At the helm of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) is Kurt Okraku, whose tenure has been marred by poor results, questionable decisions, and a lack of progress.
It’s time for President Akufo-Addo to intervene and sack Okraku, whose leadership has been an unmitigated disaster. Since assuming office in 2019, Okraku has overseen a decline in Ghanaian football.
The Black Stars’ performance in major tournaments has been underwhelming, and the latest failure to qualify for the AFCON is the final straw.
Worst FA President
Under Mr. Okraku’s watch, Ghana has:
***Failed to qualify for the 2025 AFCON, a tournament they have participated in consistently since 2004
***Been eliminated in the group stage of the 2021 AFCON
***Failed to advance beyond the round of 16 in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers
***Slumped to 52nd in the FIFA rankings, a far cry from their peak of 14th in 2007.
Mr. Okraku’s coaching merry-go-round has been a hallmark of his tenure. He has employed no fewer than five coaches since taking office, including: Kwesi Appiah (2019-2020) – Charles Akonnor (2020-2021) – Milovan Rajevac (2021-2022) – Otto Addo (2022-present) – Chris Hughton (appointed as technical advisor in 2022).
This constant churn has created instability and hindered the team’s progress. The lack of continuity and clear vision has resulted in a disjointed and ineffective team.
Furthermore, Mr. Okraku’s leadership has been plagued by controversy and poor decision-making. The GFA’s handling of player call-ups, team selection, and tactical decisions has been criticized by fans and pundits alike.
The association’s finances have also been shrouded in mystery, with allegations of mismanagement and corruption. The writing is on the wall: Kurt Okraku’s tenure has been a failure.
With just no AFCON for Ghana, no FA President will survive this, no Black Stars chairman will survive this, no coach and technical team will survive in any serious football nation.
Presidential Intervention
It’s time for President Akufo-Addo to step in and demand change. The GFA needs a new leader who can bring stability, vision, and success to Ghanaian football. The Black Stars deserve better, and the nation demands more.
As Ghana looks to the future, it’s clear that Okraku is not the right man for the job. His removal would be a step in the right direction, allowing the GFA to rebuild and refocus.
The question is, will President Akufo-Addo take action, or will he allow Okraku to continue presiding over the decline of Ghanaian football? The clock is ticking, Mr. President. The nation awaits your response.
Writer’s email: mudalawal96@gmail.com
