In a significant development for African football, Kurt Okraku, the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has been appointed as the Second Vice President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). This momentous decision was confirmed during the CAF Executive Committee meeting held in Accra on April 26, 2025.
Okraku’s appointment marks a new chapter not just in his personal career but also in the future of African football. A figure known for his visionary leadership in Ghana, Okraku’s rise to the CAF Executive Committee is seen as a win for West African football, particularly as he continues to push for the development of the game across the continent. His appointment places him in a strategic position to influence football policies that will impact every aspect of the game on the African continent, from grassroots development to the management of major tournaments.
Ghana’s Growing Influence in African Football
Okraku’s appointment as CAF’s Second Vice President is a clear reflection of the growing influence Ghana has in African football. Under his leadership, the GFA has implemented numerous initiatives that have contributed to the growth of football in the country. Okraku’s leadership within the West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone B has been instrumental in fostering regional cooperation and facilitating greater investment in football infrastructure.
The new role allows Okraku to build on the significant strides he has made in Ghana, especially in the areas of player development, youth football, and women’s football, all of which are expected to take center stage during his tenure at CAF.
CAF’s New Leadership Structure
The CAF Executive Committee meeting in Accra also saw the election of other key figures to the CAF leadership structure. Along with Okraku’s appointment as Second Vice President, the following individuals were confirmed:
- First Vice President: Fouzi Lekjaa (Morocco)
- Second Vice President: Kurt Okraku (Ghana)
- Third Vice President: Pierre-Alain Mounguengui (Gabon)
- Fourth Vice President: Ms. Bestine Kazadi Ditabala (Democratic Republic of Congo)
- Fifth Vice President: Feizal Sidat (Mozambique)
Additionally, Yacine Idriss Diallo, the President of the Ivorian Football Federation, was co-opted onto the CAF Executive Committee, further strengthening the region’s representation at CAF’s decision-making table.
Key Committee Appointments
The meeting also confirmed several new appointments to CAF’s various committees, with influential figures named to key positions:
- President of the CHAN Organizing Committee: Pierre-Alain Mounguengui (Gabon)
- President of the CAF Technical and Development Committee: Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon)
- President of the CAF Medical Committee: Dr. Mohammed Bouya (Mauritania)
These appointments bring fresh perspectives to CAF’s governing bodies, with renowned individuals like Samuel Eto’o and Dr. Mohammed Bouya taking on leadership roles. Their contributions will be pivotal in advancing football on the continent, especially in terms of technical development and the well-being of players.
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A Bright Future for African Football
Dr. Patrice Motsepe, the President of CAF, expressed his gratitude to the outgoing Vice Presidents and praised their leadership, which helped steer the organization through challenging times. He emphasized the importance of strong governance in ensuring that African football continues to thrive.
The appointments reflect CAF’s commitment to diversifying leadership roles and ensuring that the organization is led by those who are passionate about the development of football. With Kurt Okraku now in a key position of power, the future of African football looks brighter than ever.
As one of the key players in this leadership shift, Okraku’s influence is expected to extend far beyond Ghana. His appointment is not only a personal achievement but a collective victory for West Africa and the entire continent, signaling that African football is on the rise, with Ghana leading the way.
