Kurt’s Third Term vs Dede Ayew: Who becomes Ghana's next FA president?

The next Ghana Football Association presidential election is still some way off, but the shape of what could become one of the most intriguing leadership contests in Ghana football is beginning to emerge.

A third term for Kurt Okraku, or a new era led by former Black Stars captain André Ayew? Those are the two possibilities increasingly entering the conversation.

Okraku has been at the helm of the GFA since 2019 and was re-elected in 2023 for a second four-year term. But a major change to the association's statutes has now opened the door for him to remain in office for a third term.

In August 2025, the GFA Congress approved an amendment increasing the presidential term limit from two four-year terms to three, meaning the maximum period a president can serve has risen from eight to 12 years.

For Okraku, that change could prove decisive.

Instead of automatically leaving office after his current term, he now has a constitutional route to seek another four years and potentially remain GFA president until 2031.

But while the possibility of a third Okraku term has become clearer, another name is beginning to attract attention.

That name is André Ayew.

The former Black Stars captain has not formally launched a campaign for the GFA presidency, but his name has increasingly been mentioned as a possible challenger.

The conversation gathered momentum following his appearance on John Obi Mikel's Obi One Podcast. Mikel, the former Nigeria and Chelsea midfielder, went beyond simply praising André and suggested that his former international rival could be capable of bringing change to Ghana football.

Mikel has even indicated that he would campaign for Ayew to become GFA president.

That endorsement matters because André would enter any potential contest with something few prospective candidates possess: enormous recognition among Ghanaian football supporters.

He is a former Black Stars captain, a FIFA U-20 World Cup winner and one of Ghana's most experienced players of the modern era.

But recognition alone does not win a GFA presidential election. The real battle would be fought among the delegates who make up the GFA Congress.

Could Dede actually challenge Kurt?

There is already support from within Ghana football's political establishment for the idea.

Former GFA vice-president George Afriyie has publicly encouraged André to consider running, while also arguing against a possible third term for Okraku.

Afriyie said he would encourage André to contest after hearing suggestions that the former captain could be interested.

That makes the potential contest particularly fascinating.

Okraku has the advantage of incumbency, experience and an established network within Ghana football.

He also now occupies an increasingly influential position within African football. He was elected to the CAF Executive Committee for the 2025-2029 term and currently serves as CAF's second vice-president.

There have also been reports and speculation about Okraku's ambitions at the continental level, including a possible future run for the CAF presidency.

But for now, the immediate question is not CAF. It is Ghana.

The Kurt question

A third term would allow Okraku to complete 12 years in charge of the GFA.

But another election would inevitably reopen the debate over the state of Ghana football under his leadership: the domestic league, national teams, infrastructure and development

And that is where a challenger such as André could build his case. The former captain would be selling something very different: change.

He could present himself not merely as another administrator, but as someone who experienced Ghana football from the dressing room, captained the national team and understands the frustrations of players and supporters from the inside.

Whether that translates into enough votes is another question entirely.

A contest that could reshape Ghana football

For now, there is no confirmed André candidacy. But the ingredients for a fascinating election are already present. The GFA has changed its rules to make a third Okraku term possible.

Ayew's name is increasingly being placed into the presidential conversation. And Okraku, meanwhile, has strengthened his position within African football governance.

So, a third term for Kurt Okraku or the beginning of the Andre Ayew era?

FKA/AM