GFA took tough decisions after AFCON qualification failure - Kurt Okraku

President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, has disclosed that the Executive Council was compelled to make several tough decisions following the Black Stars’ failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The four-time African champions missed out on the continental showpiece for the first time in over two decades. The tournament is set to be staged in Morocco later this year.

Speaking on Asempa FM on Friday, October 24, Mr Okraku said the council took decisive steps to restore confidence in the national team after wide consultations with key stakeholders.

"The Executive Council met and made tough decisions to change things around the Black Stars because we engaged stakeholders before arriving at the final decision, and over time, we have been justified.

He further noted that the team’s recent performances prove that those changes were effective.

"The Black Stars went through a series of qualifications, and we are scoring goals, which proves that the Black Stars have improved, and it also shows that we were honest in dealing with the issues."

The GFA President also took personal responsibility for the AFCON qualification setback, saying, "I owned up after failing to qualify for the AFCON."

Following that disappointment, Ghana has bounced back impressively, securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

The Black Stars will find out their group-stage opponents when the draw is held on December 5.