By Kwame Bediako
GFA President Kurt Okraku has said he believes he is the second most criticised public figure in Ghana, after President John Mahama, citing the constant scrutiny he faces over football matters.
Speaking at the launch of the GFA’s UK Talent Identification Programme, Okraku noted that his name is mentioned across radio stations and social media on a near‑daily basis, especially when decisions such as the Black Stars squad are announced.
“I am not too sure that in our country, there are more than two people who are more criticised than my good self”- He stated.
He highlighted how football dominates Ghanaian media, with every radio station devoting airtime to the sport and his name featured “every second of the day.”
Okraku pointed to the squad release by head coach Carlos Queiroz as a recent example, noting that when fans and pundits take to social media to attack the choices, it is often him who is targeted.
Okraku’s comments come as Ghana prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with friendlies against Wales on June 2 and Jamaica on June 10 ahead of the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The Black Stars are in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama, hunting for their first knockout‑stage appearance since the historic 2010 quarter‑final run in South Africa.
Okraku’s remarks underscore the intense pressure and public expectation placed on Ghana football leadership, especially in the run‑up to a World Cup.
