After several month of speculations, the Executive Chairman of Premier League side, Dreams FC, Kurt Okraku has officially declared his intention to contest for the upcoming GFA Presidential elections.
This confirms Finder Sports’ story last week that barring any unforeseen mishap the astute football administrator will throw his hat in the race for the Presidency. Since we broke the news, there have been several behind the scenes meeting to try and convince him not to contest or at best form a merger with other leading candidates but those conversations had hit a deadlock at the time of going to press.
Since the resignation of former FA boss, Kwesi Nyantakyi, Kurt Okraku’s name has been bandied around as a competent successor.
In a video declaration posted on his various social media handles on Monday, Kurt Okraku said “after a thorough process of deliberations, discussions, engagements and consultations with various stakeholders of our industry, I have decided to put myself forward to contest the leadership of the Ghana Football Association when the election process officially opens.
My conviction to contest the upcoming election was further enhanced during the period the consultations which made it evident that the qualities I possess were exactly what stakeholders are looking for as we aim to tackle the challenges that face our industry at this particular point in time”.
The astute football administrator continues and says he has a vision that
will ensure all the stakeholders of Ghana Football will benefit from the enormous wealth inherent in a properly managed football ecosystem.
“My ultimate aim is to ensure that industry players in Ghana get their fair share of the enormous global wealth of football. That every person connected to the game reap their rightful dues for their unending efforts and enormous investments. I will in the not too distant future share with stakeholders my elaborate blueprint on my vision for Ghana football.
The vision of Creating Wealth for All in football. This will primarily see us embark on a quest to build a transparent led and communication friendly FA which carries along all stakeholders to fulfil the aspirations of our beloved nation.”
Kurt Okraku’s desire to lead the FA post the Nyantakyi era has never been in doubt but he has often evade direct questions asking whether he will run for the seat or not.
It was widely speculated that Kurt was having second thoughts about contesting but it seems he has received assurances from the delegates who will be voting thus renewing his ambition to occupy one of the most important positions in Ghana.
He is expected to face stiff competition from the likes of George Afriyie, Kwaku Osei (Palmar), Nana Yaw Amponsah and Kudjoe Fianoo.
Despite the stiff competition that he faces, Kurt and his team believe he is the right man to restore the glory of Ghana football. And his experience and acumen is unquestionable.
Credentials
Kurt Okraku is a man of many talents and has over the years gone through the mill to reach the very apex of club football administration.
He is largely credited with the revival of the FA Cup Competition which for over a decade had become dormant until he took the mantle to resuscitate it.
For those who do not know, Kurt trained as a journalist and schooled at the Ghana Institute of Journalism.
He wrote for the Hearts News and also worked at Radio Universe on the University of Ghana campus in Accra.
After serving Hearts of Oak for many years, Kurt moved to set up his own football club Dreams FC.
Before then he worked as the General Secretary of the Ghana League Club Association (GHALCA) before taking over as General Manager of Wassaman Football Club.
He has natured a lot of talents, the biggest of which is Chelsea and Black Stars defender Baba Rahman.
Kurt served on the defunct Executive Committee and was also the Chairman of the local Black Stars.
He holds a Masters’ degree from the University of Liverpool where he specialize in football management.
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