The race for the next presidency of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) is already generating discussion, even though the next election is not scheduled until 2027.
At the centre of the emerging debate are incumbent GFA president Kurt Okraku and former Black Stars captain André “Dede” Ayew, whose name has increasingly been mentioned as a possible candidate for the top position in Ghana football.
Kurt Okraku has been at the helm of the GFA since 2019. He secured a second four-year term in October 2023, putting him on course to complete his current mandate in 2027.
However, a change to the GFA statutes has opened the possibility of Okraku seeking a third term in office. The amendment increased the maximum number of terms a GFA president can serve from two to three, meaning Okraku is eligible to contest again if he decides to do so.
The possibility of a third term has already attracted attention within Ghana’s football community, particularly with some former football administrators questioning whether the incumbent should remain in office beyond 2027.
Former GFA vice-president George Afriyie is among those who have publicly expressed reservations about a possible third-term bid by Okraku.
Afriyie has also thrown his support behind the idea of Dede Ayew entering the contest. He has encouraged the former Black Stars captain to consider running for the GFA presidency, arguing that competition would be beneficial to Ghana football.
Dede Ayew, however, has not formally declared his intention to contest the election.
The former Ghana captain recently addressed the growing speculation about his possible move into football administration. While acknowledging the reports, Ayew said his immediate concern was the growth and development of Ghana football rather than confirming a presidential ambition.
Ayew has nevertheless gained experience in football administration. He has disclosed that he has served as the Chief Executive Officer of FC Nania, the Division One club founded by his father and Ghanaian football legend Abedi Pele.
His long career with the Black Stars has also given him significant experience at the highest level of Ghanaian football. Ayew captained the national team and represented Ghana at several major international tournaments, giving him a strong connection with supporters and players.
The possibility of his involvement in football administration has also received public backing from former Nigeria and Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi.
Mikel, speaking on his Obi One Podcast, said he would campaign for Ayew to become GFA president. His comments have further intensified discussions about whether the former Black Stars captain could eventually make the transition from player to football administrator.
If Ayew decides to contest, however, he would face an experienced political and administrative opponent in Okraku, who has spent several years building relationships within Ghana football.
The GFA presidency is not decided through a general public vote. The association’s Congress, made up of representatives from various football stakeholders, is responsible for electing the president.
Consequently, any candidate seeking to lead the GFA would need to secure the support of Congress delegates.
Okraku’s experience within the association and his existing relationships with stakeholders could therefore be an important factor should he seek another term. Ayew, on the other hand, could rely heavily on his popularity, football pedigree and reputation as a former national team captain if he chooses to enter the race.
The 2027 election could therefore become an interesting contest if both men eventually decide to put their names forward.
For now, Okraku remains the GFA president, while Ayew has stopped short of officially declaring a candidacy. With the election still ahead, other potential candidates could also emerge.
What is clear, however, is that the debate over the future leadership of Ghana football has already begun, with the possibility of an Okraku third term and a potential Ayew challenge likely to remain major talking points as the 2027 GFA election approaches.
Source: Thepressradio.com
