After seven years, a Ghanaian has once again ascended to one of the highest offices in African football.
Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku becomes the second Ghanaian, after Kwesi Nyantakyi, to be appointed Vice President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) within a decade. His rise, especially after navigating both domestic challenges and international scrutiny, deserves not only commendation but also careful study.
The former CEO of Dreams FC has endured heavy criticism and intense public pressure during his leadership of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), particularly after Ghana’s disappointing performances in recent major tournaments, the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt, the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and the 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire.
These setbacks even led to calls for his resignation. Though some of these criticisms were legitimate given the standards expected of Ghana football, his latest appointment signals a new opportunity: a chance to silence doubters and to lead meaningful reforms both at home and on the continental stage.
While Kurt Okraku has already earned praise for his contributions to women’s football development, now is the time for him to leverage his continental influence to transform the entire Ghanaian football ecosystem, including the struggling Ghana Premier League and national men’s teams. Leaving a lasting legacy should be his highest ambition during his remaining tenure.
Assuming the role of CAF Second Vice President brings significant responsibility. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers looming, this new chapter could herald greater achievements for Ghana football if properly managed.
This milestone must also serve as a unifying opportunity for the Ghanaian football fraternity. It is imperative that all stakeholders rally behind him rather than work against him, a mistake we cannot afford to repeat.
The fall of Kwesi Nyantakyi, once a towering figure in African football, should serve as a solemn lesson on the dangers of internal sabotage.
Kurt Okraku’s success as the head of WAFU Zone B already demonstrated his leadership acumen and ability to foster regional cooperation. His promotion under CAF President Patrice Motsepe’s leadership is therefore no surprise.
As Ghanaians, we must take pride when our compatriots achieve international recognition. During Kwesi Nyantakyi’s era, other Ghanaians like Ibrahim Sannie Daara assumed influential positions within CAF. A similar wave of capable, competent Ghanaians should be supported under Okraku’s tenure, but this time based strictly on merit, not alleged nepotism.
In acknowledging his achievement, it’s important to remember Kurt Okraku’s track record:
•Winning the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations
•Securing a World Cup appearance with the Black Stars
•Gold medals for the men’s and women’s youth teams at the Africa Games
•Leading the Black Queens back to the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON)
These achievements deserve recognition.
At this critical juncture, instead of pulling him down, let us give Kurt Okraku his flowers — because he has earned them.
