Nii Odartey Lamptey: People around Kurt Okraku are not helping him
Former Ghana international Nii Odartey Lamptey says the people surrounding Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kurt Okraku are failing to help him build a positive legacy.
Lamptey's comments come amid growing concerns over the Black Stars' poor start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign.
Ghana began their Group C campaign with a 2-0 defeat by Côte d'Ivoire before suffering another setback against The Gambia.
The Black Stars appeared to be in control after taking a 2-0 lead at the Accra Sports Stadium, but a second-half collapse saw them lose 4-2.
The back-to-back defeats have left Ghana without a point from their opening two matches and facing a difficult task to qualify for the tournament after missing the previous edition.
Lamptey, who won 38 caps for Ghana and represented the country at the 1992 Olympic Games, believes Okraku's position has been weakened by those around him.
"I love Kurt Okraku, but he has created enemies for himself, and the enemies want his downfall," Lamptey told 3Sports.
"Those around him are not helping him. Until Kurt realises that he has to change so many things, so many things will go against him. Everyone is complaining."
The former Ghana forward believes the divisions surrounding the GFA president are also affecting the wider administration of football in the country.
"When you create enemies for yourself, it affects the work that you are doing. That is what is happening to Ghana football now," he added.
Lamptey's comments come at a turbulent time for the GFA, which is facing increased scrutiny over the Black Stars' performances and the direction of the national team.
Ghana's poor start to the AFCON qualifiers was followed by the departure of Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz, who left his position after the defeats by Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia.
The GFA is now searching for a new head coach as the Black Stars look to revive their qualification campaign.
Ghana's next assignment is a double-header against Somalia in October, with both matches scheduled to be played at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The Black Stars will need maximum points from the two games to improve their position in Group C and boost their hopes of returning to the continental tournament.