GFA Presidential term extension gains widespread support from Clubs across Ghanaian football

The proposed amendment to extend the presidential tenure of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) from two to three terms has received resounding support, with a growing list of clubs and their officials publicly endorsing the proposal. 

The amendment, which will be voted on during the GFA's Ordinary Congress scheduled for August 12, 2025, at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram, seeks to increase the maximum tenure of a sitting GFA President from two four-year terms (8 years) to three (12 years). The change, ratified by world football governing body FIFA, is expected to have a significant impact on the future governance of Ghanaian football.

A wave of endorsements from both Premier League and lower-tier clubs has marked a clear shift toward consensus, with club executives describing the proposal as a pragmatic step toward enhancing continuity, long-term planning, and football development.

Among the first to publicly support the amendment was Aduana Stars General Manager Takyi Arhin, who has called for broader support and encouraged open competition for leadership positions.

“I am in full support of extending the GFA President’s term limit to three. Anyone is free to contest Kurt Okraku,” Arhin said, highlighting the need for democratic participation rather than restrictions.

Joining him is Gold Stars Chief Executive John Kwasi Adu, who has also thrown his weight behind the proposal, citing the benefits of stability and progressive leadership in the administration of the game.

Nations FC CEO Kennedy Boakye Ansah is the latest to endorse the amendment, adding to the mounting momentum among club executives.

"I don't think it’s a bad idea for Kurt Okraku to have a third term. That is my personal opinion," Boakye Ansah said in an interview, making it clear that any extended mandate must still be earned through free and fair elections.

Ghanaian football powerhouses Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak have also joined the growing list of Premier League clubs supporting the amendment. Others including reigning champions Gold Stars as well as former champions Medeama SC and others like Heart of Lions, Dreams FC, Bechem United, Vision FC and Young Apostles amongst others have all expressed approval.

Even more striking is the groundswell of support from Division One League clubs and Women’s Premier League sides, where backing for the proposal appears even stronger. This reflects a broader understanding across the football structure of the need for institutional stability and leadership continuity in achieving sustained development.

Supporters of the amendment argue that a 12-year window allows a President to plan and execute comprehensive reforms, attract long-term investment and deliver on infrastructural and technical development promises. They also point out that extending the term limit does not grant automatic renewal of office but simply allows capable leaders to seek a third term through democratic means.

The proposed amendment to extend the presidential tenure of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) from two to three terms has received resounding support, with a growing list of clubs and their officials publicly endorsing the proposal. 

The amendment, which will be voted on during the GFA's Ordinary Congress scheduled for August 12, 2025, at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram, seeks to increase the maximum tenure of a sitting GFA President from two four-year terms (8 years) to three (12 years). The change, ratified by world football governing body FIFA, is expected to have a significant impact on the future governance of Ghanaian football.

A wave of endorsements from both Premier League and lower-tier clubs has marked a clear shift toward consensus, with club executives describing the proposal as a pragmatic step toward enhancing continuity, long-term planning, and football development.

Among the first to publicly support the amendment was Aduana Stars General Manager Takyi Arhin, who has called for broader support and encouraged open competition for leadership positions.

“I am in full support of extending the GFA President’s term limit to three. Anyone is free to contest Kurt Okraku,” Arhin said, highlighting the need for democratic participation rather than restrictions.

Joining him is Gold Stars Chief Executive John Kwasi Adu, who has also thrown his weight behind the proposal, citing the benefits of stability and progressive leadership in the administration of the game.

Nations FC CEO Kennedy Boakye Ansah is the latest to endorse the amendment, adding to the mounting momentum among club executives.

"I don't think it’s a bad idea for Kurt Okraku to have a third term. That is my personal opinion," Boakye Ansah said in an interview, making it clear that any extended mandate must still be earned through free and fair elections.

Ghanaian football powerhouses Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak have also joined the growing list of Premier League clubs supporting the amendment. Others including reigning champions Gold Stars as well as former champions Medeama SC and others like Heart of Lions, Dreams FC, Bechem United, Vision FC and Young Apostles amongst others have all expressed approval.

Even more striking is the groundswell of support from Division One League clubs and Women’s Premier League sides, where backing for the proposal appears even stronger. This reflects a broader understanding across the football structure of the need for institutional stability and leadership continuity in achieving sustained development.

Supporters of the amendment argue that a 12-year window allows a President to plan and execute comprehensive reforms, attract long-term investment and deliver on infrastructural and technical development promises. They also point out that extending the term limit does not grant automatic renewal of office but simply allows capable leaders to seek a third term through democratic means.

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