Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Kurt Okraku, has been appointed as the Second Vice President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The announcement was made during the CAF Executive Committee meeting on April 26th, 2025, in Accra, Ghana, coinciding with the country’s hosting of the CAF African Schools Football Championship.
This new position for Okraku is part of a significant reshuffling within the leadership of CAF, aimed at ensuring regional balance and strengthening football governance across Africa. The updated vice-presidential lineup includes prominent football leaders from different regions, reflecting CAF’s commitment to diversity and experience in its top leadership.
A New Leadership Structure at CAF
As part of the leadership changes, Fouzi Lekjaa from Morocco has been named the First Vice President, while Okraku steps into the role of Second Vice President. Pierre-Alain Mounguengui from Gabon will serve as the Third Vice President, Bestine Kazadi Ditabala from the Democratic Republic of Congo has been appointed as the Fourth Vice President, and Feizal Sidat from Mozambique completes the team as the Fifth Vice President.
These appointments follow a period of transition within CAF, during which several previous vice presidents left their positions after securing roles within FIFA or due to internal political changes. This restructuring is seen as a move to bring fresh energy and stability to CAF’s leadership, particularly as the organization prepares for significant events like the expanded FIFA World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations.
Okraku’s Leadership and Contributions to African Football
Okraku, who has led the Ghana Football Association since 2019, has been instrumental in advancing grassroots development, women’s football, and youth programs in Ghana. His leadership has not only been recognized in his home country but also across the West African region, where he serves as the head of the West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone B.
His new role as CAF Second Vice President places him in a critical position to influence key decisions and policies that will shape the future of African football. As a prominent figure in West African football, Okraku’s appointment is expected to strengthen Ghana’s influence on the continental stage and create opportunities to advocate for the region’s football development.
A Legacy of Ghanaian Leadership in CAF
Okraku’s rise to CAF’s Second Vice President is a historic moment for Ghanaian football. He follows in the footsteps of former GFA President Kwesi Nyantakyi, who became the first Ghanaian to serve as CAF’s First Vice President in 2017. Nyantakyi’s tenure was marked by his significant influence in both CAF and FIFA, and his achievements were seen as a breakthrough for Ghanaian football administration.
Okraku has often praised Nyantakyi’s contributions to the growth of football in Ghana and Africa, acknowledging the guidance and support he received from his predecessor.
Strengthening CAF’s Governance
CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, who chaired the meeting in Accra, underscored the importance of strong governance in shaping the future of African football. He expressed gratitude to the outgoing vice presidents for their service and stressed that the new leadership team will provide stability and fresh perspectives as CAF continues to expand its initiatives.
The appointments of Okraku and his fellow vice presidents are designed to ensure CAF’s successful navigation of ongoing and future projects, including major international competitions and collaborations with global football organizations.
