Accra, Ghana — Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku says he believes his contribution to Ghana football will be better appreciated after he leaves office.
Okraku made the remarks while reflecting on the criticism surrounding his administration and the long-term impact he hopes to leave on the country’s football landscape.
Speaking to 3Sports, the GFA president drew a comparison between his expected legacy and that of Ghana’s first president, Dr Kwame Nkrumah.
“When I am gone, just like Kwame Nkrumah, people will appreciate. And people will not only appreciate but people will remember the good things that we did for Ghana football.”
His comments come at a time when the GFA leadership continues to face public scrutiny over the performance and direction of Ghana football.
Okraku Says Criticism Is Part of Football Leadership
Okraku acknowledged that criticism is an unavoidable part of leading Ghana’s football administration. He said he has no objection to criticism when it is constructive and contributes to improving the game.
He pointed to previous GFA leaders, including Kofi Amoah and Kwesi Nyantakyi, as examples of football administrators who also faced significant criticism during their periods in office.
“It’s okay for people to speak their minds,” Okraku said, adding that he values people who are “not only critical but constructive.”
The GFA president argued that football leadership should ultimately be assessed by the contribution administrators make to the development of the sport rather than only by immediate public sentiment.
Focus on Long-Term Ghana Football Development
Okraku has consistently presented his administration as one focused on building structures that can support Ghana football beyond individual competitions and short-term results.
Recent GFA initiatives have included work around youth and grassroots football, competitions, infrastructure and pathways for players and other football stakeholders.
GhanaMedia.net previously reported on the GFA’s reform agenda and efforts to reshape Ghana football.
The association has also continued preparations for Ghana’s next international commitments following the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including the return of Carlos Queiroz as Black Stars head coach. GFA’s reappointment of Carlos Queiroz is expected to usher in another phase for the national team.
A Legacy That Will Be Judged Over Time
Okraku’s comments suggest that he expects the ultimate assessment of his tenure to come after his time as GFA president rather than during his administration.
He believes the structures and initiatives being pursued today will provide a basis for judging the contribution of his administration to Ghana football in the years ahead.
His reference to Kwame Nkrumah places his argument within a broader discussion about how public figures can experience criticism during their time in leadership while their contributions are reassessed by later generations.
Ghana football remains under intense public attention, making the success or failure of the GFA’s long-term programmes an important part of how Okraku’s legacy will eventually be evaluated.
GhanaMedia.net has also documented Ghana’s historic football achievements, including the Black Stars’ historic 1978 AFCON triumph, which remains an important part of the country’s football legacy.
Source: Okraku’s comments were made in an interview with 3Sports and were reported by multiple Ghanaian media outlets. MyJoyOnline published the remarks on September 5, 2026.
Authoritative references: MyJoyOnline; GBC Ghana; Ghana Football Association.
Verification: GhanaMedia.net has verified the quoted remarks and their attribution to GFA President Kurt Okraku.
