The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has officially amended its statutes to extend the presidential term limit from two to three terms, a decision ratified during the Association’s 31st Ordinary Congress held on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, in Prampram.
This significant change was supported overwhelmingly by delegates, with 114 out of 124 voting in favor, six opposing, and three abstentions.
GFA General Secretary Prosper Harrison Addo explained that the change involved an adjustment to Article 37.4 of the GFA Statutes to bring the Association’s governance framework into alignment with FIFA’s standard model.
The revised Article 37.4 now stipulates that the president, vice presidents, and members of the executive council will serve four-year terms, aligned with the same electoral cycle. Their mandate commences immediately after the Congress that elects them and ends at the conclusion of the subsequent Congress when successors are elected. Importantly, no one may serve as president or executive council member for more than three terms, whether consecutive or non-consecutive.
This amendment allows the GFA president and all executive council members to serve a maximum of 12 years in office, provided they are re-elected, thus enabling continuity in leadership to support the successful completion of long-term projects and football development programs. The change also aims to professionalize football administration in Ghana and align governance with international standards set by FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Incumbent GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon Okraku, who is currently serving his second term after being first elected in 2019, is eligible to contest a third term when his mandate expires in 2027. Supporters of the amendment argue that extending the term limit will foster stability, allowing ongoing initiatives like youth development, league restructuring, and referee welfare programs to benefit from consistent oversight.
However, there are voices of concern among some delegates and observers who warn that extending term limits may concentrate power and potentially limit opportunities for fresh leadership and innovative ideas. Critics urge the GFA to complement this constitutional change with robust governance safeguards, transparency measures, and checks and balances to preserve accountability within the Association.
The amendment takes immediate effect and sets the stage for the next presidential elections with the potential for longer leadership tenures. This historic decision reflects Ghana’s commitment to strengthening its football governance to enhance the game’s growth at all levels locally and internationally.
