Ghana football legend Malik Jabir has called on Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kurt Okraku to reconsider any plans to seek a third term in office, arguing that his leadership should be judged by the trophies and achievements recorded during his tenure.
Okraku assumed the GFA presidency in 2019 and could remain in the position beyond his current tenure following an amendment to the association’s constitution at its 2025 Congress, which increased the presidential term limit from two terms to three.
However, Jabir has questioned the rationale behind the extension of the term limit, expressing concern that repeated changes to the rules governing the tenure of football administrators could divert attention from the development and success of the game.
Speaking in an interview with Angel FM, the former Asante Kotoko player and coach stressed that football administrators should be assessed primarily on their ability to deliver results rather than their desire to remain in office.
“What third term? Look, any association that keeps changing its term of office means maybe we are not too serious,” he said.
Jabir’s comments reflect his concerns about the decision to extend the period a GFA president can serve, particularly at a time when Ghanaian football continues to face questions over the performance of its national teams and their ability to win major competitions.
The veteran football figure further argued that Okraku’s record would have attracted greater public support for his continued leadership if the country had secured the major trophies expected during his administration.
“I tell you, if Okraku had won all the cups we need by now, I don’t think anybody would want him to go,” he said.
According to Jabir, success on the pitch remains a key measure of an administrator’s performance, adding that winning major competitions could have strengthened the case for Okraku to remain at the helm of Ghana football.
He also questioned Ghana’s inability to secure major silverware despite several changes to the technical teams responsible for the national sides.
“But he hasn’t won even one. Even sometimes it’s difficult to beat a team with seven coaches. What are we waiting for?” he added.
Jabir’s remarks place the spotlight on the relationship between football administration, technical decisions and results, with the former Kotoko figure suggesting that the country’s achievements should take precedence over discussions about extending presidential tenures.
Meanwhile, preparations for the 2027 GFA presidential election are gradually gathering momentum, with several individuals reportedly considering a challenge to Okraku’s leadership.
Samuel Annim Addo, Ralph Gyambrah, Elloeny Amande and former Black Stars captain Andre Ayew have expressed interest in contesting the presidency, while former GFA vice-president George Afriyie is yet to make a decision.
The developing contest is expected to draw attention to the candidates’ visions for Ghana football, their proposed reforms and their plans to improve the performance of the national teams and strengthen the domestic game.
Okraku, who has led the association since 2019, could face increased scrutiny as the next election approaches, particularly over the constitutional amendment and the achievements recorded under his leadership.
