Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku has been appointed the Second Vice President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), marking a significant milestone for Ghanaian football.
The announcement was made during the CAF Executive Committee meeting held in Accra on April 26th, 2025, coinciding with Ghana’s hosting of the CAF African Schools Football Championship.
As part of a comprehensive reshuffle of CAF's top leadership, Okraku was promoted. The new vice-presidential team reflects a deliberate balance of football experience and regional representation. CAF's newly appointed vice presidents represent a regionally balanced and diverse leadership team. Morocco's Fouzi Lekjaa is the First Vice President, and Ghana's Okraku is the Second Vice President. The positions of Third Vice President are held by Pierre-Alain Mounguengui of Gabon, Fourth Vice President by Bestine Kazadi Ditabala of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Fifth Vice President by Feizal Sidat of Mozambique. This new structure follows a period of transition within CAF, as several previous vice presidents left their posts after securing positions on FIFA’s top governing body or due to internal political shifts.
Since his election as GFA President in 2019, Okraku has embarked on developing grassroots, women’s football, and youth programs. In addition to his role as head of WAFU Zone B, he is recognized for his leadership throughout West Africa. Okraku’s appointment as CAF Second Vice President gives him a direct hand in shaping major policies and initiatives that will determine the future of African football. His new role is expected to strengthen Ghana’s voice in continental decision-making and provide a platform to advocate for the interests of West African football.
Okraku's rise follows that of former GFA President Kwesi Nyantakyi, who became the first Ghanaian to hold the position of CAF's First Vice President in 2017 under President Ahmad Ahmad. Okraku's ascent follows Nyantakyi's example. Nyantakyi’s tenure was marked by his influence in both CAF and FIFA, and his rise was seen as a breakthrough for Ghanaian football administration on the continental stage.
Paying tribute to Nyantakyi's contributions to Ghanaian and African football, Okraku has acknowledged Nyantakyi's guidance and support. A legacy of Ghana's strong administrative presence in African football continues with Okraku becoming the second Ghanaian to hold such a high position within CAF. CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, who chaired the meeting in Accra, emphasised the importance of strong governance and thanked outgoing vice presidents for their service.
The new appointments-including Okraku’s-are designed to bring stability and fresh direction to CAF as it navigates preparations for major projects like the expanded FIFA World Cup and upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
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