I am open to criticism, but it must be constructive, says GFA president Kurt Okraku

Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kurt Okraku says he welcomes criticism of his administration, provided it is constructive and aimed at improving the game.

Mr Okraku acknowledged that criticism is an inevitable part of leading Ghana football, saying no GFA president has enjoyed complete peace while in office.

Speaking to 3Sports, he said stakeholders should be free to express their views, but urged them to ensure their criticism contributes positively to the development of the sport.

“It’s okay for people to speak their minds. Like I said at the Congress in Kumasi, I love people who are not only critical but constructive,” Okraku said.

“It’s normal. I don’t think any leader in our football space has enjoyed absolute peace.”

The GFA president pointed to former association presidents Kofi Amoah and Kwesi Nyantakyi as examples of leaders who faced criticism during their time in office.

“President Kofi Amoah, who served as president during the Normalisation Committee, faced fierce criticism during his tenure. President Kwesi Nyantakyi, same,” he said.

Okraku said Nyantakyi's achievements, including guiding Ghana to the World Cup and an Africa Cup of Nations final, showed that football administrators should ultimately be judged by the impact of their work.

“At the end, he took Ghana to the World Cup; he took Ghana to the finals of the AFCON. He did his part, and my job is also to play my part,” Okraku added.

Okraku said he remains focused on making his contribution to Ghana football despite the criticism that comes with his position.

He maintained that constructive scrutiny is an important part of football administration and should be used to help improve the sport.