Aduana FC general manager Takyi Arhin has expressed support for Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kurt Okraku, stating that football clubs and administrators are in love with his leadership. This comes despite growing criticism of Okraku's performance, particularly following the Black Stars' recent poor results in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign. Arhin's comments are a significant show of support for Okraku, who has faced mounting pressure to resign.
The Black Stars, Ghana's national football team, have had a disappointing start to the AFCON qualifiers, losing 2-0 to Ivory Coast in their opening Group C match and then suffering a 4-2 defeat by The Gambia in Accra. These results have left them without a point from their first two matches, intensifying pressure on the GFA and Okraku. Former players and football administrators have called for changes at the association, but Arhin believes Okraku continues to enjoy strong support from clubs and administrators.
Arhin highlighted the significant financial and logistical support provided to clubs under Okraku's administration. He mentioned that division one clubs received GHC120,000, boots, footballs, jerseys, and free fuel coupons, describing this as a considerable improvement. According to Arhin, Okraku's leadership has been beneficial to football clubs, and this is why they continue to support him. Arhin's comments suggest that Okraku's strength lies in his relationship with the clubs and administrators.
The poor start to the AFCON qualifiers also led to the departure of Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the Black Stars. The GFA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports, has established a five-member committee to identify a successor to Queiroz. This committee is expected to submit its report to the Sports Ministry by October 9, with the Black Stars scheduled to return to action in November for a double-header against Somalia.
Arhin's defense of Okraku comes at a time when the GFA president has faced criticism for the Black Stars' performances. However, Arhin believes that Okraku should not be judged solely on the team's results. He pointed to the normal GFA work, stating that Okraku is on top of it. Arhin's comments suggest that Okraku's contributions to Ghanaian football go beyond the Black Stars' performances.
The search for a new head coach for the Black Stars is ongoing, with the five-member committee working to identify a suitable candidate. The committee's report is expected to be submitted to the Sports Ministry soon, and a decision on the next coach is anticipated. The Black Stars' next matches against Somalia in November will be crucial in determining the team's progress in the AFCON qualifiers.
The GFA and the Ministry of Sports are working together to address the challenges facing Ghanaian football. The establishment of the committee to find a new head coach is part of these efforts. With the Black Stars' next matches approaching, the focus will be on finding a solution to the team's struggles and improving its performance in the AFCON qualifiers.
Key points
- Aduana FC GM Takyi Arhin defends GFA president Kurt Okraku, citing his support for football clubs and administrators.
- The Black Stars have had a poor start to the AFCON qualifiers, leading to criticism of Okraku and the departure of Carlos Queiroz as head coach.
- A five-member committee has been established to identify a new head coach for the Black Stars, with its report expected by October 9.
