Sports
A new chapter in our football development is now- Kurt Okraku
President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku says a new chapter of football development is now following his retention as head of Ghana’s football governing body on Thursday.
President Simeon-Okraku received 117 of the 120 votes cast – representing 97.1% of votes to continue as the head of Ghana’s football for the next four-years.
He affirmed his quest to make Ghana football attractive across board and competitive on all fronts.
‘’Indeed in the last four-years, we have made some good steps in fixing the fundamentals of the sport and to ensure that our country is competitive on all fronts’’ President Simeon-Okraku said in his post-election speech.
‘’The confidence you have reposed in us to go the extra mile to ensuring that our game becomes enjoyable just the way we want to have’’
‘’I know I made a lot of good friends. At the same time I know I also know there were enemies. For all of us who love football and have been on this journey together, whoever I offended I say I am sorry. If I did wrong you, it was for footballing reasons. I have always said the road will never be smooth and easy but we will get there’’.
‘’That is why I called on all of you to come together because the GFA is ready to listen to the other minds’’.
‘’A new chapter of developing our game is now, a new chapter of ensuring the growth of our game awaits us and as a family we owe it a duty to solve our problems’’ he added.
President Simeon-Okraku and his new Executive Council will hold their positions for the next four-years.
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Sports
Black Starlets arrives in Morocco on U-17 AFCON mission …FA boss charges team to make Ghana proud
The Black Starlets, the national U-17 male team, have safely arrived in Casablanca ahead of the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The team departed Accra on Wednesday, travelling with a 35-man contingent made up of 21 players and 14 officials, all focused on delivering a strong campaign on the continental stage.
They completed a smooth five-hour flight to Morocco, where final preparations will continue before the tournament kicks off.
The technical team is expected to fine-tune tactics and build cohesion among the squad as they gear up for the competition.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Mr Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, was present at the Accra International Airport to bid farewell to the team.
Speaking during a brief farewell at the Airport, the FA President urged the team to carry a ‘never say die’ spirit into the competition.
President Simeon-Okraku emphasised the importance of mental strength and unity, particularly in difficult moments during matches. His message was inspired by the team’s recent friendly encounters against Cote d’Ivoire, where they bounced back strongly after an initial defeat.
“I’m very happy that when you lost to Cote d’Ivoire in your first game during your friendly matches, you were able to bounce back—not only to dominate but to outscore them in the second game,” he said. “I read a lot of meaning into that, and I want all of you to keep that in your heads—that, it’s not over until it’s all over,” he added.
The FA president stressed that the ability to respond positively to setbacks would be crucial in a tournament as competitive as the AFCON.
He encouraged the players to stay united and support one another when the pressure intensifies on the continental stage.
“When the chips are down, that’s when we need to hold each other together,” Okraku added. “So go out there and make Ghana proud.”
Ghana will compete in Group D alongside Algeria, Senegal, and South Africa, with their opening match scheduled for Thursday, May 14.
Twenty-three (23) players have been called up for this month’s international friendly against Mexico.
The squad is composed of star players from the domestic league and European leagues who are closely monitored by Coach Carlos Queiroz, as well as U-23 players who will soon represent Ghana in the upcoming Olympic Games qualifiers.
Notable names include Majeed Ashimeru, Felix Afena-Gyan, Razak Simpson, and Birmingham City’s Ibrahim Osman.
Ashimeru returns to action after a long spell on the sidelines due to a muscle injury that limited his appearances at both club and national level.
Also in the team is Felix Afena-Gyan, whose last appearance for Ghana was in May last year when he featured against Trinidad and Tobago in the Unity Cup in London.
Barcelona B’s Abdul Aziz Issah, Ebenezer Annan of AS Saint-Étienne, Ibrahim Osman of Birmingham City, and Paul Reverson of Ajax FC have also been included in the squad.
Midfielder Salim Adams, one of the key players for Ghana Premier League leaders Medeama SC, leads the group of home-based players.
Others are Heart of Lions’ Ebenezer Abban, Ebenezer Adade of Dreams FC, and Nations FC captain Razak Simpson. Ghana will travel to Mexico for the international friendly on Friday, May 22, 2026.
