BY Nadia Ntiamoah
President of the Ghana Football Association, Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, has spoken candidly about the relentless criticism he faces as head of Ghana football, claiming he is arguably the second most criticized public figure in the country after President John Dramani Mahama.
The GFA boss made the remarks during the launch of the Association’s United Kingdom Talent Identification Programme, an initiative aimed at identifying and recruiting talented Ghanaian players born abroad for the country’s various national teams.
Speaking before invited guests and stakeholders, Okraku reflected on the pressures that come with leading Ghana football, insisting that his name is constantly discussed across radio stations, television programmes and social media platforms, often attracting criticism regardless of the issue at hand.
“I am not too sure that in our country there are more than two people who are more criticised than my good self,” Okraku said. “You take the president of the country out, the next most criticised person is Kurt Okraku.”
The football administrator noted that football remains the most discussed sport in Ghana and that his position places him directly in the spotlight whenever decisions concerning the national teams are made.
“Each radio station has dedicated airtime to football, and believe me, every second of the day, the name Kurt Okraku is mentioned,” he stated.
Black Stars Decisions Continue to Draw Public Scrutiny
Okraku pointed to the recent release of the Black Stars squad by head coach Carlos Queiroz as an example of how criticism directed at technical decisions often finds its way back to him.
According to the GFA President, public reactions to player selections frequently target his leadership despite the coach having responsibility for assembling the squad.
“The Black Stars squad was released by head coach Carlos Queiroz. Go on social media and see who is attacked — it’s Kurt,” he remarked.
His comments come at a time when expectations surrounding the Black Stars are reaching fever pitch ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Ghana hopes to make a significant impact after qualifying for the global showpiece.
A Tenure Marked by High Expectations
Since assuming office as GFA President in 2019, Okraku has overseen a period of both achievements and challenges within Ghana football.
His administration has implemented reforms in domestic football, introduced developmental programmes and pursued greater engagement with the Ghanaian diaspora to strengthen national teams.
However, the Black Stars’ performances in recent major tournaments, including disappointing exits at continental competitions and inconsistent results on the international stage, have often subjected the GFA leadership to intense public criticism.
Football remains deeply woven into Ghana’s national identity, and public expectations for success have historically been high. The Black Stars are four-time African champions and reached the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup in 2010, the furthest any African nation had progressed at the tournament at the time.
As a result, every setback involving the national team often triggers widespread debate and scrutiny of football administrators, coaches and players.
Focus Shifts to World Cup Campaign
Despite the criticism, attention is now firmly fixed on Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Black Stars are currently in camp preparing for international friendly matches against Wales on June 2 and Jamaica on June 10, fixtures designed to fine-tune the team before the tournament begins.
Ghana has been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia.
The Black Stars will open their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field before facing England on June 23 at Gillette Stadium. Their final group-stage match will be against Croatia on June 27.
