The Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) plan to extend its presidential term limit from two to three has ignited fierce resistance from politicians, ex-football chiefs, and industry figures.
If accepted at Congress on August 12, 2025, the amendment will allow current president Kurt Okraku, now in his second term, to remain in office beyond the current eight-year cap.
At the heart of the controversy is the GFA’s decision, following FIFA’s approval, to align its term limit with the world governing body and CAF.
Supporters of the GFA regime argue it would ensure stability and continuity, while critics see it as a dangerous step towards concentrating power in one office.
The debate has reopened old wounds from the Nyantakyi era, when a similar extension ended in scandal.
For many opponents, the issue is not just about Okraku’s ambitions but about protecting the integrity and democratic values of Ghanaian football.
Ghanaians don’t have the power to stop Kurt Okraku’s third term, only Congress can – Eric Alagidede
As such, critics have framed the proposal as a legal and ethical threat to the Association’s governance, a risky precedent that could concentrate power, and a misplaced priority while the league struggles for sponsors and credibility.
Below are four individuals who have mounted strong opposition against the new proposal of three terms.
Vincent Ekow Assafuah — Ranking Member, Parliament’s Youth and Sports Committee
Assafuah warned that the amendment runs counter to the GFA’s own rules and the spirit of the 2019 reforms.
He pointed to the statute that limits presidents to two terms and argued that changing it for an individual would damage institutional integrity.
“The statutes exist to protect the Association from excessive concentration of power and to preserve institutional integrity. To disregard this provision, or seek its amendment to favour the ambitions of any individual, would contradict the foundational principles upon which the restructured GFA was built,” he said.
Assafuah further revealed how the association is not a private entity but one that is bent on serving the country.
“The GFA is not a vehicle for personal elevation. It is a national institution with responsibilities to its members, the Ghanaian football community, and global football governance standards,” he added.
Dr. Nyaho Nyaho‑Tamakloe — Former GFA Chairman
Nyaho‑Tamakloe warned that history could repeat itself if the GFA relaxes its limits, recalling the circumstances that preceded previous instability at the Association.
He made said that constitutional tinkering to prolong leadership has dangerous consequences.
“I warn that history has repeated itself in several instances in this country, and we don’t seem to take note of that,” Tamakloe told Joy Sports.
“If we are not careful, this can create a big problem, because citing the downfall of the former GFA boss, Kwesi Nyantakyi, my very good friend, I attribute it as this particular thing he himself wanted to do would have an impact on his downfall.”
“Now, to me, anyone who wants to stay in power perpetually, especially by twisting the constitution to suit their interests, is a danger to the organization and the society.”
Kojo Addae‑Mensah — Databank CEO (and former GFA search‑committee member)
Addae‑Mensah urged restraint and a focus on fixing the league rather than changing rules to extend tenure.
He warned that leadership renewal is essential for fairness and the Association’s health, and that rewriting statutes to suit a sitting president would set a dangerous precedent.
“Kurt should not run for a third term and allow his successor do so, should the GFA Congress approve the amendment. Kurt came into office knowing he has only two terms to serve,” he said.
George Afriyie — Former GFA Vice‑President
Afriyie also in an interview with Asempa FM, attacked the timing and priorities of the move, arguing that the domestic league is in such a poor shape that extending presidential tenure is the last thing the GFA should be pursuing.
“You are playing a league that’s a sakora league, it’s difficult for your number one product, which is the Ghana Premier League to attract partnership,” he said.
Anim Addo — Former GFA Executive Council Member
Addo during an interview with Sporty FM, condemned the amendment as unpatriotic and highlighted administrative dysfunction as evidence of poor leadership.
Anim Addo complains about ‘mafia tactics’ ahead GFA Congress
“I sent an email to the GFA on whether I will appear at Congress to vote and it bounced back that the email was full. How can that be? Anyone who thinks extending the GFA president’s term limit to three is a good thing does not love Ghana,” he said.
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