Sports Minister opposes Proposal for GFA Presidency Term Extension

Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has firmly rejected the idea of extending the tenure of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) presidency. He described the move as unnecessary and stressed that leadership duration is not the key issue affecting the nation’s football.

The suggestion to amend the GFA’s statutes and allow current president Kurt Okraku to run for a third term after his second term ends in 2027 has gained attention in recent reports. Okraku, 54, won his second term unopposed in the 2023 election, following the disqualification of his rival, George Afriyie, by the Elections Committee—a decision later confirmed by the Appeals Committee.

However, speaking on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, Minister Adams made it clear that he does not see any value in extending the tenure of the GFA president. He emphasized that the challenges faced by Ghanaian football are not tied to the duration of the leadership.

“I don’t believe that the tenure of the GFA president is our biggest issue at the moment,” Adams stated. “In Ghana, even the presidency has a two-term limit, so I don’t see why the GFA presidency should be treated differently. While I will engage with the GFA and offer advice, I truly believe that extending the tenure is not necessary at this time.”

Okraku assumed the presidency in 2019, taking over from the Normalization Committee that was set up following the removal of Kwesi Nyantakyi due to the fallout from Anas Aremeyaw Anas’ investigative exposé on alleged corruption within Ghanaian football.

His tenure has faced criticism, particularly due to the disappointing performances of the national teams. The Black Stars have faced back-to-back group-stage exits at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and notably failed to qualify for the upcoming AFCON tournament in Morocco, marking their first absence in two decades.

Opposition to the proposal for a third term has come from several football figures, including administrators Kudjoe Fianoo, George Afriyie, and Osei Kweku Palmer, who have voiced their concerns publicly.