A recent comment by Ghanaian Member of Parliament, Lawyer Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, stating that Ghana football has collapsed under the leadership of Ghana Football Association President Kurt Edwin Simeon Okraku, has sparked debate. The analyst, Dickson Boadi, believes that while criticism of the administration of Ghana football is legitimate, it must be based on a balanced view of the facts. Football is crucial to Ghana, and nobody should be above scrutiny.
Boadi pointed out that under Kurt Okraku's leadership, the GFA has implemented several initiatives to support clubs and improve the game. For instance, in 2024, the GFA fulfilled a pledge by presenting buses to nine Division One League clubs to reduce their transportation burden and improve operational capacity. The buses were given to the top three finishers from each of the three zones of the Division One League.
The bus acquisition programme was not limited to men's football, as the GFA also presented buses to Ampem Darkoa Ladies and Hasaacas Ladies, the two zonal winners of the 2023/24 Women's Premier League. Boadi argued that such interventions demonstrate that the GFA is actively working to address some of the challenges facing Ghanaian football. He emphasized that these efforts should not be ignored in the debate about the state of Ghana football.
At the GFA's 32nd Congress in August 2026, the Association announced financial support for its clubs. Each of the 48 Division One League clubs would receive GH¢120,000, and the GFA would continue to absorb referees' and Match Commissioners' fees. Additionally, each club would receive 30 footballs. For the Women's Premier League, the GFA announced GH¢100,000 for each of the 20 clubs, along with 30 pairs of football boots and continued coverage of referees' and Match Commissioners' fees.
Boadi highlighted that the GFA has prioritized youth development under Kurt Okraku's administration. The GFA has established three Elite Football Academies and reported investment in their management and development. The objective is to provide young footballers with structured football training alongside education and create a pathway towards professional and national team football.
The GFA has also implemented the “Power to the Youth” initiative, designed to give greater opportunities to young Ghanaian players by encouraging clubs to include more young players in their matchday squads. Furthermore, the Association reported that it had organised its domestic competitions for seven consecutive seasons without major disruptions, with increased television coverage and improvements in matchday protocols.
Boadi expressed concern about the increasing trend of reducing football administration to political commentary. He emphasized that football is a specialized field, and people who have spent years working in football administration, coaching, refereeing, scouting, club management, and player development have valuable knowledge that should not be ignored.
Key points
- Criticism of Ghana football must be based on facts.
- GFA has implemented several initiatives to support clubs and improve the game.
- Youth development is a priority for the GFA under Kurt Okraku's leadership.
