Vincent Ekow Assafuah, Ranking Member of Parliament’s Youth and Sports Committee, has strongly opposed what he describes as a looming attempt by Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Kurt Okraku, to unlawfully seek a third term in office.
In a strongly worded statement, Assafuah described the alleged bid as a clear violation of Article 37(4) of the GFA’s 2019 Statutes, which limits the GFA President to a maximum of two terms. According to him, any move to alter that statute would “undermine both the rule of law and the democratic ethos upon which the reformed GFA was built.”
“To disregard this provision, or to seek its amendment merely to serve the ambitions of one individual, undermines both the rule of law and the democratic ethos upon which the reformed GFA was built,” he stated.
The MP stressed that the GFA is a national institution and “not a vehicle for individual elevation.”
He warned that any effort to entrench personal rule within the GFA would destabilize the institution and erode public trust.
Assafuah also raised alarm over unverified claims allegedly made by Okraku that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) or other government elements were supporting his stay in office. He described such claims as “deeply irresponsible,” cautioning that they risk dragging Ghana football back into partisan politics.
“Football must never become a pawn in party politics,” he warned, referencing the 2018 GFA dissolution after the explosive “Number 12” documentary exposed deep-rooted corruption.
The MP also questioned the state broadcaster GBC’s role, accusing it of twisting facts to support Okraku’s supposed agenda and giving the impression of state backing.
“They risk politicising football governance and introducing partisan interests into a space that must remain independent, neutral, and merit-based,” he added.
In his conclusion, Assafuah reminded Ghanaians that the same laws that brought Kurt Okraku to power should not now be altered to suit his ambitions.
“The principle of constitutionalism requires that power be exercised within legal limits not modified to suit those who hold office.”
He called for a leadership transition that is fair, lawful, and merit-based, adding that Ghanaian football deserves better than manipulation and quiet constitutional changes.
