Calls grow as Ghanaians demand for Kurt Okraku’s resignation after Black Stars poor AFCON start

Calls for Kurt Okraku's resignation intensify after Ghana's poor start in AFCON qualifiers

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) president, Kurt Okraku, is under mounting pressure to resign following the Black Stars' disappointing opening two matches of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. Ghana suffered a 2-0 defeat to Ivory Coast last Thursday, followed by a 4-2 loss to The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday. The latest loss has further fueled criticism of the Ghana football leadership, with politicians, former sports administrators, and frustrated supporters demanding major changes.

Tensions reached a boiling point after the match against The Gambia, with angry supporters confronting Okraku at the stadium. Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George has renewed his call for the disbandment of the Black Stars and the GFA, suggesting a two-year ban from FIFA to allow for proper rebuilding. Member of Parliament Isaac Boamah-Nyarko has also called for the dissolution of the GFA and a complete overhaul of Ghana's football structure, emphasizing the need for a grassroots-focused approach.

Former NSA board chairman Seth Panwum has echoed these sentiments, stating that the defeats reflect a worrying decline in the standards of the national team and calling on Okraku to step down. Panwum argues that the result should prompt a reevaluation of the current approach and a comprehensive process of rebuilding, reform, and restoration for Ghana football.

These demands have placed significant pressure on head coach Carlos Queiroz and his players, who will now aim to revive their qualification campaign in October with a double-header against Somalia at the Accra Sports Stadium. Ghana is seeking to return to the continental tournament after missing out on the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, a setback that has further fueled calls for change.