President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, has expressed optimism about the future of Ghanaian football, despite recent setbacks that have tested the country’s footballing spirit.
Speaking at a media soirée on Tuesday night at the Gold Coast Restaurant in Accra, Mr Okraku lauded members of the media for their consistent support, fair reportage, and passion for the game, urging continued collaboration in driving the sport forward.
“I want to thank each and every one of you for the massive show of support,” he said.
“I also want to thank those who criticise us, and plead that it’s done constructively, because your input helps us build a stronger football ecosystem.
Despite the hurdles of 2024, Okraku underscored that Ghanaian football remains on a positive trajectory.
“We’ve gone through many phases, but I am confident that the future of Ghana football is extremely bright,” he added.
Reflecting on the challenges of the past year, the GFA President admitted that the Black Stars’ failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations was a major disappointment.
However, he noted that the team’s resurgence — culminating in qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico — was proof of progress and resilience.
Mr Okraku also praised the achievements of Ghana’s women’s and youth teams, commending the Black Queens for their third-place finish at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and celebrating the Black Starlets’ qualification for the 2026 Africa U-17 Championship, which marks their return to the continental stage.
According to him, these milestones reflect a renewed sense of purpose within the Ghanaian football ecosystem and a foundation for even greater success in the years ahead.
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