Ex-Ghana FA Capo Kwesi Nyantakyi not in support of third term for Kurt Okraku

Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kwesi Nyantakyi has expressed firm opposition to any proposal that would allow the current GFA President, Kurt Okraku, to seek a third term in office.

Reports indicate that the GFA Executive Council is considering amendments to its statutes, which could permit Mr. Okraku to run for an additional term. However, Mr. Nyantakyi believes such changes would violate the principles of fairness and existing regulations.

Speaking to Asempa FM, Mr. Nyantakyi explained, “You know, I will share my opinion on this matter. I know that laws do not take retrospective action, and so when you are in charge of an organisation, you cannot change the rules to favour you. If they change the term limit, Kurt Okraku should not be able to contest.”

He further emphasized, “He came to office under a two-term limit, and during his term, if the association changes the term limit, he should not be able to qualify to contest.”

Other prominent figures in Ghanaian football, including Kudjoe Fianoo, George Afriyie, and Wilfred Osei Kweku Palmer, have also voiced their disapproval of Mr. Okraku’s potential third-term bid.

Mr. Okraku, who assumed office in 2019 following the tenure of the Normalisation Committee, has had a mixed presidency. His administration has celebrated achievements such as Ghana’s qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the Black Queens’ return to the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations in 2024. However, there have also been significant setbacks.

Notable among these are the Black Stars’ consecutive group-stage exits at the Africa Cup of Nations and their failure to qualify for the 2025 tournament in Morocco, ending Ghana’s 20-year streak of participation.

The prospect of a third term for Mr. Okraku has sparked heated debate, raising questions about the fairness of altering GFA statutes and the broader implications for Ghanaian football governance.