Former Ghana President John Agyekum Kufuor has backed Kurt Okraku as the Ghana Football Association president faces mounting pressure to address the current downturn.
Kufuor expressed confidence that Okraku was “going to pull out of it” as pressure mounts for the FA leader to take decisive action following another disappointment for the Black Stars at a major tournament.
The Black Stars suffered elimination in the group stage at the recently concluded AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast. This marked the second consecutive AFCON tournament in which the Black Stars failed to progress beyond the group stage.
Okraku’s leadership has faced intense scrutiny, with the Save Ghana Football demonstration garnering attention earlier in the week. Hundreds of fans, led by sports journalists, took to the streets to protest against Okraku’s administration.
Despite the mounting pressure, Okraku found support during his visit to President Kufuor’s residence on Tuesday for the launch of the JA Kufuor Cup.
The former Ghanaian leader offered words of encouragement to the embattled GFA boss, stating: “I know you are embattled now from, sadly the non-performance of the Black Stars in Cote d’Ivoire, that’s sports for you.”
Former Ghana President John Agyekum Kufuor officially launched the JA Kufuor Cup trophy earlier this week.
The match between Asante Kotoko and Nsoatreman will take place at the Baba Yara Stadium on February 18, 2024, as part of the JAK Foundation's efforts to honour the former… pic.twitter.com/3WVQ0WLIZf
— #TV3GH (@tv3_ghana) February 15, 2024
“These days everybody knows how to play soccer or football around the world, so you don’t underrate anybody. You don’t get complacent. Perhaps when we do the full analysis, I am not blaming you but since you are the head of the institution, naturally it’s leadership but I am sure you are going to pull out of it.”
Following the disappointment at AFCON, the first step taken was the dismissal of coach Chris Hughton and the disbanding of the technical team.
However, there is a sentiment among some that more significant changes are needed. Despite calls for Okraku’s resignation, he enjoys substantial support as he seeks to turn the fortunes of Ghanaian football around.