Kurt Okraku Sets Sights on AFCON Glory for Black Stars
GFA President remains confident despite recent setbacks, vows to restore Ghana’s continental dominance
- Okraku declares winning AFCON as his top priority.
- Black Stars failed to progress in 2021, 2023 and missed 2025 tournament.
- Youth and women’s teams show promise with recent continental successes.
Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku has reaffirmed his determination to see the Black Stars lift the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy.
The senior national team has endured a difficult run in recent years under Okraku’s administration. Ghana exited at the group stage in both the 2021 and 2023 AFCON tournaments and also failed to qualify for the 2025 edition in Morocco following a disappointing qualifying campaign.
Despite these setbacks, Okraku insists that winning the continental title remains his ultimate ambition.
“I want to win the Africa Cup of Nations, and that is a fact. Only God knows how many times we have tried and have not succeeded,” he told Asaase Radio.
While acknowledging the Black Stars’ struggles, Okraku pointed to achievements by other national teams as signs of progress. The Black Satellites (U-20) recently clinched the AFCON title, while the Black Queens secured bronze at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and are set to compete again next month.
He also highlighted the resurgence of Ghana’s youth teams. The Black Starlets have returned to the AFCON after several years away, and the Black Princesses have advanced to the final round of qualifiers for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup — a tournament they have reached twice during his tenure.
“Basically, I want to win every tournament for Ghana and place the nation on the medal podium at every opportunity,” Okraku stated.
Ghana’s last AFCON triumph came in 1982. Since then, the Black Stars have reached the finals three times — in 1992, 2010, and 2015 — but fell short on each occasion.
