Former National Sports Authority (NSA) Board Chairman Seth Panwum has called for Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kurt Okraku to resign following Ghana's poor start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. Ghana suffered defeats in both their opening Group C matches, leaving them without a point. The Black Stars began their campaign with a 2-0 defeat by Côte d'Ivoire and suffered a 4-2 loss against The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Panwum described the result against The Gambia as a "significant setback" for a national team whose supporters expect strong performances, particularly on home soil. He compared Ghana's current struggles with their home performances under the previous NPP administration, pointing to their record during the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. Panwum noted that Ghana's current struggles should be examined through the quality of management, preparation, and tactical execution, rather than individual players or injuries.
According to Panwum, the difference between Ghana and opponents like Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia is better management, match preparation, and tactical output. He stated that The Gambia's 4-2 win over Ghana should compel every serious football administrator to assess whether the current approach is working. Panwum, who serves as the NPP spokesperson on sports, emphasized that his criticism is not aimed at individual players or the injuries and suspensions affecting the squad.
Panwum subsequently called on Okraku to accept responsibility and step down as GFA president. He stated that Okraku's resignation would provide an opportunity for a new leadership direction and allow Ghana football to begin a comprehensive process of rebuilding, reform, and restoration. This call for resignation comes amid growing pressure on head coach Carlos Queiroz and his players following consecutive defeats.
The Black Stars will return to action in October with a double-header against Somalia at the Accra Sports Stadium. Ghana are seeking to return to the continental tournament after failing to qualify for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, ending their run of more than two decades of consecutive appearances at the competition. The team needs to recover quickly to keep their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 AFCON alive.
Other stakeholders have also reacted to Ghana's poor performance, with some calling for the dissolution of the Black Stars and the GFA. The consecutive defeats have increased pressure on the team's management and players. Panwum's comments add to the growing criticism of the GFA's leadership and the team's performance.
The 2027 AFCON qualifiers continue in October, with Ghana facing Somalia in a double-header. The team's performance will be crucial in determining their chances of qualifying for the tournament. The pressure on Kurt Okraku and the GFA to turn the team's fortunes around continues to mount.
Key points
- Seth Panwum calls for Kurt Okraku's resignation as GFA president following Ghana's poor start to the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
- Ghana suffered defeats in both their opening Group C matches, leaving them without a point.
- Panwum attributes Ghana's struggles to poor management, preparation, and tactical execution.
