Ghana Football Association (GFA) Kurt Okraku has responded to allegations of nepotism by emphasising that he only works with individuals who are capable and committed to improving Ghanaian football.
Okraku has come under fire for appointing people with personal ties, such as Henry Asante Twum and Ameenu Shardow, both of whom were prominent members of his campaign team during the 2019 elections. Twum is currently the GFA’s Communications Director, while Shardow was recently named Black Stars team manager.
Another appointee under scrutiny is Michael Osekere, a close friend of Okraku and the GFA’s Chief of Staff. These appointments have sparked accusations of favouritism, which Okraku categorically denies.
In an interview with SuperSport, Okraku defended his choices, stating, “We came into office at the time the entire football ecosystem had crumbled. It was important for us, not me, to bring on board people who were ready to deliver our mandate. What we have done is look around every corner of the football ecosystem, finding out who is willing, who has the right levels of passion, and prepared to go 26 hours without sleeping like my good self to serve our football industry.”
During the interview, Okraku expressed his satisfaction and gratitude for the opportunity to lead Ghanaian football at the highest level of governance.
Having been elected in a fiercely contested poll three and a half years ago, he considers it a dream come true. Okraku affirmed, “I’m happy It’s been a dream come true to serve Ghana and Ghanaian football at the highest level of governance. The opportunity to serve the Ghanaian game has taken me further up the governance structure on the African continent so I don’t take this for granted. I think that the over three and half years that we have been in office we have served Ghana football well.”
As the GFA prepares for elections this year, Okraku is expected to seek a second term.
