Seasoned sports journalist Veronica Commey has called for the resignation of Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku, holding him responsible for the Black Stars’ inability to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on November 18, Commey criticized Okraku’s leadership, describing the current state of Ghanaian football as its worst era in decades.
“What GFA President Kurt Okraku should be doing is taking responsibility for the fact that he has supervised the worst-ever spell for Ghana in five years,” she asserted.
The Black Stars’ AFCON qualification failure is the first since 2004, marking a low point in Ghana’s football history. Commey linked this setback to broader issues under Okraku’s tenure, which includes consecutive group-stage exits at AFCON tournaments.
“In any serious country, heads must roll,” Commey said, emphasizing the need for accountability.
Commey criticized Okraku for his reluctance to take responsibility, suggesting that true leadership would involve stepping aside.
“People must have the integrity to admit, ‘I had ideas, but they are no longer working,’ and resign,” she urged.
She also disagreed with Okraku’s assertion that qualifying for the 2022 World Cup was the pinnacle of his achievements.
“In 2010, Ghana was one penalty away from the World Cup semi-finals. Qualifying for Qatar cannot be considered the height of heights,” she argued.
Commey highlighted a disparity in how the GFA embraces credit during successes but avoids blame during failures.
“When you qualified for the Nations Cup and World Cup, you celebrated publicly. Now that you have failed, you must do the same and take responsibility,” she stated.
Despite her strong stance, Commey expressed skepticism about Okraku stepping down willingly, noting that his recent public statements suggest he intends to remain in office.
“Judging by his tone, he feels he should stay. I don’t see him having the courage to resign,” she remarked.
Commey dismissed excuses related to the challenges of transitioning from the normalization committee era, stating, “It’s been five years. You cannot continue to blame post-normalization challenges.”
Concluding her critique, Commey stressed the urgency of reform in Ghana football leadership to restore the Black Stars’ glory.
“This is Ghana’s worst spell in football. Those in charge must own up and step aside for the sake of the nation,” she said.
Commey’s remarks underline the growing demand for accountability and a change in leadership to revitalize Ghanaian football.
