President of the Ghana Football Association, Kurt Okraku, has reiterated his unwavering ambition to lead the Black Stars to victory at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), despite recent disappointments on the continental stage.
Since assuming office in 2019, Okraku has overseen a challenging period for Ghana’s senior national team in major tournaments. The Black Stars exited at the group stage of the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon and suffered a similar fate at the 2023 tournament in Ivory Coast.
The four-time African champions also endured a frustrating qualifying campaign for the most recent AFCON edition in Morocco, failing to secure a single win and ultimately missing out on qualification — a development that sparked criticism and concern among fans.
Ghana, one of Africa’s most decorated football nations, last lifted the AFCON trophy in 1982. Since then, the Black Stars have reached the finals on three occasions — in 1992, 2010 and 2015 — but finished as runners-up each time.
Despite these setbacks, Okraku remains resolute in his quest for continental glory. Speaking to Asaase Radio, he made it clear that winning AFCON remains his top priority.
“I want to win the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), and that is the fact. Only God knows the number of times we have tried, and we have not been able to win the AFCON title,” he said.
He added that his ambition goes beyond AFCON success, stressing his desire to see Ghana excel in every competition.
“Basically, I want to win every tournament for Ghana, and I want to place Ghana on the medal podium on any given occasion,” he stated.
While the senior team has struggled to secure silverware, Okraku pointed to achievements at other levels as signs of progress under his leadership. Ghana’s U-20 team recently won the AFCON title, while the Black Queens secured a bronze medal at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and are preparing to compete again next month.
He also highlighted the resurgence of Ghana’s youth teams. The Black Starlets have returned to AFCON after several years of absence, and the Black Princesses have qualified for the final round of the U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers. According to Okraku, the Princesses have reached the global tournament twice during his tenure.
Attention now turns to the global stage, with the Black Stars set to compete at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
For Okraku, however, the ultimate dream remains clear: ending Ghana’s long wait for another AFCON triumph and restoring the Black Stars to the summit of African football.
