Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Kurt Okraku, has expressed his disappointment at the Black Stars’ failure to clinch the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, emphasizing that bringing the cup back home was the team’s ultimate aspiration.
“Investing a significant amount of energy and resources into the tournament, our hope, our dream was to bring the cup back home. It didn’t work out and we can’t be disappointed enough,” Okraku remarked during a press conference in Kumasi.
However, Okraku remained hopeful about the future of Ghanaian football, highlighting the GFA’s introspective approach and subsequent decisions aimed at enhancing the sport’s landscape in the country.
“Management and technical decisions have seen us reflect on our work as a team. To reflect on what policies to help bring back the love and glory for the country,” Okraku explained.
Underlining football’s unifying role in Ghana, Okraku stressed the importance of nurturing the sport’s growth and development, citing its ability to bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds and beliefs.
“Football is the sport that unites our country Ghana. It is the sport that has brought us together, It is the sport that has brought religious and people from varied backgrounds together,” Okraku noted.
Amidst criticisms and calls for reform following the Black Stars’ early exit from the AFCON tournament, Okraku revealed the GFA’s commitment to a reflective period aimed at identifying areas for improvement and implementing decisive measures.
“It’s been a reflective period for us, and we have to be decisive and take far-reaching decisions that will impact positively on the game,” Okraku affirmed.
Despite the setback, Okraku exuded confidence in the GFA’s ability to instigate positive changes and steer Ghanaian football towards a brighter future.