GFA Elections: Kurt Okraku outlines plans with manifesto launch

Ghana Football Association presidential hopeful Kurt E.S Okraku has unveiled his manifesto aimed at ‘Igniting passion and creating wealth for all.’

The colourful launch, held at the Ghana Exim Bank auditorium Tuesday, was well-attended by the media and other stakeholders – including George Afriyie, who is also an aspirant.

The 34-paged document highlights four key thematic areas:

1. Rebuilding trust for and restoring the image and reputation of the GFA;
2. Uniting the football family behind the shared values of transparency, accountability and the prudent management and auditing of finances;
3. Utilization of best practices in good corporate governance; and
4. Promotion of gender equity.

With a campaign catchphrase #GameChanger, Kurt Okraku noted that: “For me, transparency can play a huge part in ensuring financial discipline, managing risk, reducing and eliminating opportunities for malfeasance and the perception of corruption of association. My media background gives me this assurance – that making information available reduces rumours and misrepresentation.”

He also outlined various ways he would be using to pool together funds to cater for some contingencies. He said he will put up creative and innovative revenue models by setting up Central, Medical, Club Support and Special World Cup Benefit funds.

Having had much experience in Colts football, Okraku explained that his Central Fund model will be used to support juvenile/colts football and women’s football.  That of the Medical Fund will be used to defray cost of players’ injuries such as bone, cartilage and ligaments.

The Club Support Fund is also expected to aid the teams to pay wages to players to minimize player exodus.

Beneficiaries of the Special World Cup Benefit Fund will include    Premier League clubs, Division One League clubs, Ghana League Clubs Association, Professional Footballers Association, Coaches Association, Referees Association, Women’s Football and Juvenile/Colts Football.

The former Executive Committee member also indicated his readiness to help improve infrastructure when voted into power as the successor of Kwesi Nyantakyi.

He also touched on organizing courses for referees and, involving old players in different areas based on their abilities.

Kurt Okraku is Executive Chairman of Ghana Premier League side Dreams FC. He served on the Executive Committee of the Nyantakyi-led GFA and was the brain behind the revival of the FA Cup competition.