Kurt Okraku: The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is proposing a significant change to its Statutes, suggesting that the presidential term limit be extended from two to three terms.
This proposal, set to be discussed at the GFA’s 31st Ordinary Congress on August 12, 2025, at the Ghanaman Centre of Excellence in Prampram, has sparked both support and debate within the football community.
If approved, it could reshape the future of football governance in Ghana.
Proposal Overview
The GFA Statutes Review Committee has submitted a proposal to the Executive Council (ExCo) calling for the extension of the presidential term limit from two terms to three.
The proposal is being put forth as part of the agenda for the upcoming congress. Additionally, the committee has suggested that the GFA Congress should consider introducing two vice presidents, one of whom would be a woman, tasked with overseeing the women’s football desk.
This would reflect a commitment to gender inclusion in the leadership structure of the GFA.
Rationale Behind the Proposal
The GFA’s push to extend the presidential term limit is based on international best practices and the governance standards of major football organizations such as FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Both of these organizations allow their presidents to serve for up to three terms, which the GFA Statutes Review Committee argues should be mirrored in Ghana’s football governance.
The current GFA statute, developed in 2019 by Dr. Kofi Amoah, Naa Odofoley Nortey, Lucy Quist, and Sammy Kuffour, restricts the president to a maximum of two terms in office. Article 37(4) of the statute states:
“No person shall serve as President for more than two terms of office, whether consecutive or not.”
Under this rule, the GFA president cannot serve beyond eight years. The proposed amendment would bring the GFA statutes in line with FIFA and CAF’s regulations, which supporters argue would foster stability and continuity in the leadership of the association.
GFA President Kurt Okraku may stand for a third term in office.#3Sports pic.twitter.com/riwogwxA3O
— #3Sports (@3SportsGh) August 1, 2025
The Case for Stability and Continuity
Supporters of the amendment contend that a three-term limit would offer the GFA president the opportunity to implement long-term plans and strategies without the pressure of term limits.
Football governance, particularly in a country with a rich footballing history like Ghana, requires time to address the complexities of development, infrastructure, and national team management.
With a longer tenure, a president could focus on sustainable growth, attract sponsorship deals, and build more lasting relationships with international bodies.
Furthermore, long-term projects such as youth development programs, league improvements, and women’s football initiatives require sustained leadership.
Proponents argue that extending the presidential term would provide the president the time and stability needed to see such initiatives through to fruition.
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Kurt Okraku Eyes Third Term
If the proposed amendment is passed, it could have significant implications for the current GFA president, Kurt Okraku. Okraku, who was elected as GFA president in 2019, has already completed one term in office.
Under the current rules, he would be eligible to serve just one more term. However, with the proposed extension to three terms, Okraku could serve an additional two terms, potentially extending his presidency beyond the current eight-year limit.
Gender Inclusion and Leadership Diversity
In addition to the presidential term extension, the Statutes Review Committee is also advocating for the appointment of two vice presidents. One of these vice presidents would be a woman, tasked specifically with overseeing the women’s football sector.
This proposal aims to ensure that women’s football gets the attention it deserves, aligning with the global push for greater gender equality in sports leadership.
Women’s football has seen tremendous growth globally, and Ghana is no exception. The introduction of a female vice president to focus on women’s football would be a significant step toward advancing the development of the women’s game in the country.
The proposed amendment to extend the GFA president’s term limit from two to three terms represents a critical discussion point for the future of football governance in Ghana.
While the extension could provide much-needed stability and continuity, it also raises questions about the need for a balance between leadership renewal and long-term strategic direction.
As the GFA prepares for its 31st Ordinary Congress, the decision on this proposal will shape the course of Ghanaian football leadership for years to come.
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