Politics
“WHEN I’M GONE, YOU’LL APPRECIATE ME” — KURT OKRAKU INVOKES KWAME NKRUMAH IN DEFENCE OF HIS GFA LEGACY
GFA boss says history will vindicate his administration as he insists Ghanaians will remember the “good things” done for football
Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku has made a striking prediction about his legacy, insisting that Ghanaians will appreciate his contribution to the development of football after he leaves office.
Drawing a comparison with Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Okraku says his administration’s work may not receive full recognition while he remains in office but believes history will ultimately judge his tenure more favourably.
“When I’m Gone, People Will Appreciate”
Speaking to 3Sports, Okraku acknowledged the criticism that has followed his tenure but maintained that he remains focused on leaving behind a lasting legacy.
“When I am gone, just like Kwame Nkrumah, people will appreciate. And people will not only appreciate but people will remember the good things that we did for Ghana football.”
The GFA boss believes the true measure of his administration should not be based solely on the criticism it receives today.
Instead, he wants the structures, initiatives and developments introduced during his tenure to be assessed over the longer term.
Okraku Points to Kwesi Nyantakyi
In defending his position, Okraku also referenced former GFA President Kwesi Nyantakyi, who, according to him, faced intense criticism while in office despite overseeing some of Ghana football’s most memorable achievements.
Okraku pointed to Ghana’s participation at the FIFA World Cup and the Black Stars’ run to the Africa Cup of Nations final during Nyantakyi’s tenure as examples of achievements that became more significant with time.
“He did his part, and my job is also to play my part.”
His argument is that football administrators should be judged by the totality of their work rather than by the criticism surrounding their tenure at a particular moment.
A Legacy Under Heavy Scrutiny
Okraku’s comments come at a time when his leadership of Ghana football remains the subject of intense public debate.
The performance of the national teams, the direction of Ghana football and the effectiveness of the GFA’s administration have all attracted scrutiny.
Despite this, Okraku remains convinced that his administration’s contribution will eventually receive greater recognition.
He has argued that some of the work being undertaken is designed to create long-term structures and sustainable development, rather than simply deliver immediate results.
‘History Will Judge Me’
The underlying message from the GFA president is clear: he does not expect his legacy to be fully understood while he is still in charge.
Okraku believes time will provide a more balanced assessment of his leadership and allow Ghanaians to look beyond the controversies and criticisms surrounding his administration.
His reference to Kwame Nkrumah, however, has already generated discussion, with critics questioning whether the comparison is justified and what concrete legacy Okraku will ultimately leave behind.
The Big Question: What Will Okraku Leave Behind?
With his tenure continuing to attract both support and criticism, the debate over Okraku’s legacy is unlikely to disappear.
For the GFA boss, the verdict belongs to history.
For his critics, the verdict should be based on results delivered while he is in office.
And for Ghanaian football supporters, the central question remains:
When Kurt Okraku eventually leaves the GFA presidency, what exactly will his administration be remembered for?
Only time will provide the final answer.
But Okraku has already made his prediction: