Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has dismissed the rumored attempt to extend the tenure of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) presidency beyond its current limits, stating that such a move is unnecessary at this time.
Reports suggest that GFA President Kurt Okraku is seeking to amend the association statutes to allow him to remain in office beyond his second term, which ends in 2027. Okraku, 54, was re-elected unopposed in 2023 after his main challenger, George Afriyie, was disqualified decision upheld by the Appeals Committee.
Speaking to Asempa FM, Minister Adams made it clear that he does not see the need for a third term but is open to discussions with the GFA on the matter.
”I don’t believe that our biggest problem in our game today is down to the tenure of the GFA presidency,” Adams said. “Even in the country, the presidency is limited to only two terms, so I don’t see the need for that. However, I will engage the GFA and advise them, but truly, tenure extension is not needed at this time.”
Okraku first assumed office in 2019 after replacing the Normalization Committee, which had been put in place following Kwesi Nyantakyi’s removal due to corruption allegations exposed in an investigative report by journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas.
However, his administration has faced heavy scrutiny, particularly due to the underwhelming performances of Ghana’s national teams. The Black Stars have suffered back-to-back group-stage exits in the last two Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments and failed to qualify for the upcoming edition in Morocco, marking the first time in 20 years that Ghana will miss the competition.
Meanwhile, several football administrators, including Kudjoe Fianoo, George Afriyie, and Osei Kweku Palmer, have strongly opposed any plans to extend the GFA presidency beyond the current two-term limit.