My vision is to win both the World Cup and the AFCON, says Ghana Football Association President Kurt Okraku

Kurt Okraku, the current President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has reaffirmed his unwavering dedication to making a significant impact on the landscape of Ghanaian football.

His reaffirmation comes amidst a backdrop of criticism following the recent performance of the Black Stars, particularly their inability to progress beyond the group stages at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 held in Ivory Coast.

Addressing a press conference convened in Kumasi on a Wednesday, Okraku emphatically expressed his ambition to lead the Black Stars to victory in major international tournaments, including the prestigious AFCON and the illustrious FIFA World Cup.

“I am determined to secure triumph in the AFCON and the World Cup!” declared Okraku. “My goal is to see Ghana emerge victorious in every competition we partake in. This aspiration resonates deeply with my fellow members of the Executive Council.”

This statement echoes Okraku’s prior declarations regarding his vision to revolutionize Ghanaian football and propel the nation to the status of a dominant force in African football.

However, Okraku’s tenure as the GFA President has not been devoid of controversy, with allegations of corruption and mismanagement surfacing within the association.

Despite facing these challenges head-on, Okraku maintains an optimistic outlook for the future of Ghanaian football.

He points to Ghana’s storied tradition of producing exceptional football talent and underscores the ongoing efforts to upgrade the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence as evidence of progress being made.

“I am committed to positioning the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence as a globally recognized standard,” Okraku affirmed.

While Okraku’s determination to elevate Ghanaian football has garnered praise from some quarters, others remain skeptical about the feasibility of his ambitious goals given the myriad challenges facing the sport in Ghana.

Critics highlight the inconsistent performance of the Black Stars in recent tournaments and express concerns about the perceived lack of accountability within the GFA.

Nevertheless, Okraku remains undeterred, emphasizing the need for collective effort and perseverance to realize his vision for Ghanaian football.

“We must unite in purpose and work together to overcome the obstacles that lie ahead in Ghana football,” he asserted.

In addition to his aspirations for success on the international stage, Okraku is also deeply committed to nurturing grassroots football talent and improving football infrastructure across Ghana.

He emphasizes the importance of investing in youth development programs and creating opportunities for aspiring players to excel.

“We must invest in the future of Ghanaian football by nurturing young talent and providing them with the necessary support and resources to succeed,” he reiterated.

Okraku’s commitment to grassroots development has garnered widespread support, with many recognizing the importance of building a strong foundation for sustained success in football.

However, challenges such as inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and limited access to coaching remain significant obstacles to overcome.

Despite these challenges, Okraku remains resolute in his determination to drive positive change within the Ghanaian football landscape.

He emphasizes the importance of transparency, accountability, and good governance in rebuilding trust and restoring confidence in the sport.

“We must uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in all our endeavors,” he declared.

As Okraku continues to navigate the complexities of leading the GFA, he remains steadfast in his commitment to leaving a lasting legacy in Ghanaian football.

With a clear vision, unwavering determination, and the support of stakeholders, he is optimistic about the future and believes that Ghana has the potential to achieve greatness on the football stage.