Things are not going well with our game – GFA President Kurt Okraku

Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has openly admitted that football in Ghana is grappling with significant challenges. This acknowledgment came during a training session held on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, for Premier League Match Commissioners, where he highlighted that the current state of the game provides an opportunity to bring about meaningful change.

The training, which was specifically designed to improve Matchday Safety and Security Protocols, forms part of a broader initiative aimed at enhancing the safety and security of everyone involved in the football ecosystem, including players, officials, and fans. The need for such a focused approach has become particularly urgent following the tragic events surrounding the death of Francis ‘Nana Pooley’ Frimpong, who was tragically stabbed during the Ghana Premier League Week 19 fixture between Asante Kotoko and Nsoatreman in Nsoatre just two weeks ago.

In his address to the match commissioners at the GFA headquarters, Okraku emphasized the need for transparency, integrity, and accountability in the administration of football. He made it clear that the GFA would be impartial in evaluating the performance of all involved, with a strong focus on honesty. “We will be very fair in assessing your work. Be honest. If anyone falls below the required standards, they will unfortunately have to leave. The public discourse around football in Ghana reflects the reality that things are not in a good state. If we are to make meaningful changes, now is the time,” Okraku stated.

Acknowledging the widespread public dissatisfaction, he stressed that the time for reform had arrived. The GFA president urged all stakeholders, including officials, to act swiftly and collectively to implement changes that could restore the game’s integrity and ensure the safety of all involved. He echoed the sentiments of the fans, noting that Ghanaians are calling for tangible change, and the football community must respond positively to these calls.

Okraku also expressed optimism that the Premier League would resume soon, but he underscored the importance of ensuring that the necessary changes are fully implemented when the competition does return. He expressed hope that the GFA would be able to carry out the reforms expected by stakeholders, particularly in light of the growing concerns over safety and security in the sport.

The tragic incident in Nsoatre, which saw the death of Francis Frimpong, has led to a critical review of matchday safety protocols. The GFA President emphasized that the association’s role in managing the sport is more crucial than ever and that the Nsoatre incident had forced the football community to reassess how the game is conducted in the country. “The incident in Nsoatre has acted as a wake-up call for all of us. It is a catalyst that compels us to rethink how we handle football in Ghana,” Okraku remarked.

As part of this reassessment, Okraku has called for increased vigilance and proactive measures to ensure the safety of players, officials, and fans alike. He encouraged match commissioners to take a more active role in identifying potential security threats and to work closely with local law enforcement to address any concerns before, during, and after matches.

Meanwhile, Asante Kotoko has announced that their first team will resume training on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. However, the club has made it clear that their decision to suspend participation in official competitions remains unchanged. “Our position remains the same. We will not participate in any official matches until we see meaningful and decisive action taken to secure justice and safeguard the future of football in Ghana,” Kotoko stated.

In response to this, President Okraku has arranged a meeting with the club’s officials on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Kotoko’s secretariat in Kumasi. This meeting is expected to address the club’s concerns and explore ways to move forward in the aftermath of the tragic events.

Overall, the GFA President’s remarks signal a turning point for Ghanaian football, with a clear call for greater accountability, transparency, and most importantly, a collective effort to make the necessary reforms for the betterment of the game.