“I love people who are not only critical but constructive” – Kurt Okraku

Kurt Okraku, the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has expressed that he has no issue with criticism towards his administration, as long as it is constructive. Speaking to 3Sports, Okraku acknowledged that criticism is an unavoidable aspect of leading Ghana football, stating that no GFA president has enjoyed a completely peaceful tenure.

During a recent Congress in Kumasi, Okraku emphasized his appreciation for individuals who not only criticize but also provide useful insights for the sport's development. He reiterated this sentiment at the Congress, saying, "I love people who are not only critical but constructive."

Okraku pointed out that it is common for leaders in the football space to face significant scrutiny. He cited former GFA presidents, Kofi Amoah and Kwesi Nyantakyi, as examples of leaders who experienced substantial criticism while in office. Okraku noted, "President Kofi Amoah, who served as president during the Normalisation Committee, faced fierce criticism during his tenure. President Kwesi Nyantakyi, same."

Despite the criticism, Okraku is confident that Nyantakyi's accomplishments, such as Ghana's return to the FIFA World Cup and their appearance in an Africa Cup of Nations final, demonstrate the impact that football administrators can have. He emphasized, "At the end, he took Ghana to the World Cup, he took Ghana to the finals of the AFCON.

He did his part and my job is also to play my part." Okraku firmly believes that criticism is an integral part of his responsibility as the leader of Ghana football and remains dedicated to contributing to the sport's growth.