Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, the current President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), could now serve up to 12 years in office, following a major constitutional amendment approved at the Association’s 31st Ordinary Congress held yesterday, at the Ghanaman Soccer Center of Excellence in Prampram.
In a significant move aimed at promoting stability and continuity in football leadership, 114 out of 124 delegates overwhelmingly voted in favor of extending the presidential term limit from two to three terms. This new arrangement allows the GFA president to serve three four-year terms, paving the way for Okraku to seek re-election beyond his current second term, which ends in two years.
Though Article 31(2) of the GFA Statutes (2019) prescribes the Congress be held annually before the start of a new season, the 2025 session attracted 124 member delegates who came together to review the Association’s progress, financial reports and set the tone for the upcoming season.
The amendment, while designed to allow long-term projects to be completed under consistent leadership, has sparked debate. The GFA argue it would ensure sustained progress, while critics raise concerns about potential power consolidation and reduced opportunities for new leadership.
Since assuming office in 2019, following the fall of former president Kwesi Nyantakyi in the wake of an exposé by investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas, Kurt Okraku has played a key role in reshaping Ghanaian football. His first term brought notable achievements, including securing sponsorship for the Ghana Premier League (GPL) and a television right with StarTimes, which brought greater visibility to local football.He has also successfully secured sponsorship with Adesa Production Limited for the upcoming 2025/2026 season.
In 2023, Okraku was re-elected unopposed for a second term, signaling strong confidence from the football community in his leadership.
However, his administration has also faced challenges,particularly criticism over the lack of sponsorship for the 2024/2025 league season.
Supporters of the constitutional change believe Okraku’s continued leadership offers consistency and progress, while critics caution against the risks of power consolidation and reduced leadership turnover.
Alongside the term limit reform, Congress also approved the elevation of the Women’s Football Representative on the Executive Council to the role of Second Vice-President; a step forward in promoting gender representation at the highest level of football governance.
By Jesse Otoo
