Women's football success under Kurt Okraku deserves equal recognition

In a previous article, I made the case that Ghana Football Association President Kurt Edwin Simeon Okraku deserves support for the reforms and progress made under his administration. While that opinion generated mixed reactions, one issue continues to occupy my thoughts.

Why is it that many of those demanding his resignation rarely acknowledge the remarkable achievements Ghana has recorded in women's football during his tenure?

Every administration should be assessed fairly. Where there are shortcomings, they should be pointed out and addressed. Equally, where there are successes, they deserve to be recognised. Leadership cannot be judged solely by failures while its accomplishments are ignored.

Over the past few years, Ghana's women's football has experienced one of its most successful periods, with impressive performances across every level of the game. These achievements are not accidental. They reflect deliberate investment, improved planning, and sustained commitment to developing women's football.

At the grassroots level, the Black Damsels have continued to make the nation proud. Ghana's Under 15 girls successfully defended their title to become back to back CAF African Schools Football champions. Retaining a continental title is never easy, and their achievement demonstrates that the country's youth development structures are producing talented players capable of competing at the highest level in Africa.

The success has continued at the Under 17 level.

The Black Maidens have once again qualified for the FIFA Under 17 Women's World Cup, extending Ghana's proud tradition at the global tournament. Their qualification is another indication that the country continues to nurture young female footballers who can compete confidently against the best in the world.

Earlier this year, the Black Princesses also secured qualification for the FIFA Under 20 Women's World Cup, which will be held in Poland in August and September. This achievement ensures that another generation of talented Ghanaian players will have the opportunity to showcase their abilities on football's biggest youth stage while inspiring many young girls across the country.

The positive story extends to the senior national team.

The Black Queens have booked their place at the 2026 CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Beyond competing for continental honours, the tournament also serves as an important pathway towards qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil. Their return to Africa's biggest women's football competition represents another important milestone in the team's resurgence.

Ghana's women's club football has also continued to make steady progress.

Ampem Darkoa Ladies Football Club will represent the country at the upcoming WAFU Zone B qualifiers in August as they seek qualification for the CAF Women's Champions League. Their participation highlights the growing competitiveness of the Ghana Women's Premier League and the increasing quality of women's club football in the country.

When these achievements are viewed collectively, they reveal a clear pattern of progress. Ghana has qualified for major international competitions at the Under 17, Under 20 and senior levels, while also producing continental champions at the Under 15 level. At club level, Ghana continues to compete for places in Africa's elite women's club competition.

These accomplishments deserve to form part of every honest conversation about the current state of Ghana football.

This does not suggest that the Ghana Football Association has solved every challenge confronting the game. Concerns surrounding the men's national teams, domestic football, officiating, infrastructure and other administrative issues remain legitimate topics for public discussion. Constructive criticism is essential for the growth of any sporting institution.

However, fairness requires balance.
If football followers are prepared to criticise the Football Association whenever results fall below expectations, they should also be willing to acknowledge areas where tangible progress has been made.

Women's football is one of those areas.
The continued success of Ghana's female national teams and clubs is providing opportunities for young girls to dream bigger, attracting greater attention to the women's game and strengthening Ghana's reputation on the continental and global stage.

As discussions about the future of Ghana football continue, it is important that opinions are shaped by facts rather than emotions.

The achievements recorded in women's football under Kurt Edwin Simeon Okraku's administration are significant. They deserve recognition, not because they erase existing challenges, but because they represent genuine progress that should be appreciated while efforts continue to address the areas that still require improvement.

At the same time, Kurt Okraku can draw lessons from the experiences of those who came before him. The tenure of former Ghana Football Association President Lawyer Kwesi Nyantakyi demonstrated how intense public criticism can sometimes overshadow years of work and achievement. Whether justified or not, football administration often attracts enormous pressure, and history has shown that leaders can quickly become the focus of public dissatisfaction.

For that reason, Kurt Okraku must remain focused on his vision for Ghana football rather than become distracted by the growing calls for his resignation. He should continue to engage stakeholders, embrace constructive criticism, and remain committed to reforms that will benefit every level of the game, from grassroots football to the senior national teams.

The progress being witnessed in women's football should serve as motivation to do even more. Sustaining these gains will require continued investment in youth development, coaching education, domestic competitions, infrastructure and player welfare. If these areas continue to receive the necessary attention, Ghana's women's football has the potential to become one of the strongest on the African continent.

In my view, history will judge every football administrator not only by the challenges encountered during their tenure but by the legacy they leave behind. The progress witnessed in women's football under Kurt Okraku is one chapter that deserves to be acknowledged alongside any legitimate concerns about his administration.

I firmly believe that if he maintains his determination, sense of purpose and commitment to the development of Ghana football, Kurt Edwin Simeon Okraku has every opportunity to be remembered among the finest Presidents to have led the Ghana Football Association. Such recognition will not be earned through slogans or public relations but through sustained results, consistency and a lasting contribution to Ghana football.

In football, as in every sphere of leadership, credibility is built on fairness. Recognising success where it exists is just as important as demanding accountability where improvement is needed.