"GFA President Kurt Okraku Calls on Ghanaians to Support the Black Stars"

Kurt Okraku, the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has issued a passionate appeal to all Ghanaians to unite and support the Black Stars as they prepare for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. This appeal follows a disappointing setback, with the national team failing to secure qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. In response to this, the GFA has taken decisive steps to strengthen the team’s technical management by appointing a number of experienced expatriate coaches to help steer the Black Stars back to success.

One of the most notable appointments is that of Winfried Anton Schafer, a former Cameroon national team coach and AFCON winner in 2002, who has been brought in as the new technical advisor for the Black Stars. Schafer’s extensive experience in African football is expected to provide valuable insights and guidance to the team as they focus on their next major challenge: the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign. Additionally, the GFA has confirmed Kris Perquy as the team psychologist and Gregory De Grauwe as the senior video analyst, both of whom are expected to play crucial roles in supporting the players’ mental and tactical preparation.

In light of these changes, Okraku made a heartfelt plea for national unity and support for the team, emphasizing the importance of Ghanaians coming together during this challenging period. The GFA president took to social media to urge the country to rally behind the Black Stars with a shared sense of determination and national pride. He stated, “Let’s give our team our support. With the announcement of both the management committee of the Black Stars and a revamped technical team, it’s now our time to be truly Ghanaian and to get behind our team once again, with that singular ambition of bringing OUR team back to winning ways.”

Acknowledging the struggles the team has faced in recent years, Okraku reminded Ghanaians of the resilience the nation has demonstrated in the past. “Ghana, our beloved country, has gone through this challenging period before, but by sticking together, we have always come out stronger,” he reflected. This statement highlights the importance of unity in overcoming setbacks, both on and off the pitch. Okraku’s message is clear: the Black Stars’ success relies not only on the technical adjustments and player performance but also on the collective support of the entire country.

The GFA president further expressed his belief that with unity, determination, and humility, Ghana can bounce back stronger than ever. “In humility, determination, and oneness, we have—and we will—bring smiles back to our people with your support,” he said. This underscores his conviction that the Black Stars can once again rise to greatness with the backing of Ghanaians across the world.

As part of the coaching reshuffle, Desmond Ofei, the head coach of the Black Satellites, has been appointed as the new first-team assistant coach, taking over from Joseph Laumann. Ofei’s promotion is seen as an important move to strengthen the technical team and bring a fresh perspective to the squad. These coaching changes reflect the GFA’s commitment to revamping the Black Stars in preparation for the future.

The Black Stars are set to regroup in March as they resume their 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with upcoming fixtures against Chad and Madagascar. These matches are crucial for Ghana’s hopes of securing a place in the next World Cup, and Okraku’s appeal for unity and support could not have come at a more critical time.

As the national team embarks on this new chapter under a revamped technical team, Okraku’s call for Ghanaians to rally behind the Black Stars highlights the importance of collective support in achieving success. The GFA president’s message resonates deeply with the country’s football fans, urging them to put aside any past disappointments and unite for the greater good of Ghanaian football. It is this spirit of unity that Okraku believes will propel the Black Stars to success on the international stage.