GFA boss Kurt Okraku optimistic Chris Hughton will end Ghana’s trophy drought soon

GFA President Kurt Okraku remains optimistic about Ghana’s chances of ending the country’s long trophy drought, despite the recent disappointing performances of the Black Stars at tournaments.

Acknowledging the team’s poor showing at the recent AFCON in Cameroon, Okraku attributed it to a lack of quality in the squad and the team’s mindset. However, he expressed confidence in the current team, emphasizing the significant improvement they have made. With time and patience, Okraku believes this team can lead Ghana to success.

Okraku emphasized the importance of focusing on the team’s progress and the underlying processes rather than just the results on the pitch. He highlighted the need to assess intangible assets such as squad dynamics, preparation timing, and the development of a winning team.

The GFA President recognized that the AFCON in Cameroon was a setback but saw it as the starting point for the process of building a strong team for Ghana. Following the criticism received, the rebuilding process began, with new personnel being brought in across all fronts.

Despite not advancing beyond the group stage at the World Cup, Okraku pointed out that building a winning team takes time. While he acknowledged the disappointment of Ghanaians and their desire for Ghana to excel at the highest level, he saw it as motivation for the Executive Council to continue with the rebuilding strategy and find the right players and personnel to shape a winning team.

“I think we are on track. Obviously, the AFCON in Cameroon was a big disaster. We didn’t have the kind of players, organization, and mindset one would need to become conquerors of Africa. But that was the beginning of the process of building a good team for Ghana,” he stated in an interview with SuperSport.

“We started the process of rebuilding the team, bringing on new personnel on all fronts. You can see clearly that the team that represented Ghana at the AFCON and the team of today look quite different.”

“The team didn’t go past the group stage, Ghanaians were unhappy and I appreciate that because we believe that we have to be at the apex at all times, but that served as motivation to continue with the rebuilding strategy.”

“We have an amazing group of players who are ready to give their all and work hard for Mother Ghana. The technical team currently led by Chris Hughton is highly competent, and with the support from the Football Association, the government, and the enthusiasm of Ghanaians, I believe the team is heading in the right direction.”

“I firmly believe that the prestigious trophies that sitting presidents have always desired, the trophies that Ghanaians have always longed for, will soon grace our shelves,” Okraku confidently proclaimed.

Ghana’s last major trophy victory came at the Africa Cup of Nations in 1982. Okraku’s unwavering belief in the ongoing rebuilding process and the potential of the current team reflects his determination to bring success back to Ghanaian football.