Sports
Ghana FA president Kurt Okraku urges support for retired footballers facing significant health challenges
President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, has called on the football community to continue supporting former national team players facing significant health challenges after their playing careers.
A number of former Black Stars players have in recent years expressed concerns over what they describe as neglect after calling time on their professional careers, with some appealing for greater support and welfare assistance.
Okraku, who also serves as the Second Vice President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), acknowledged the immense contribution made by Ghana’s former internationals, stressing that their sacrifices and dedication helped bring pride and glory to the country.
The experienced football administrator has therefore rallied stakeholders within the football fraternity to support retired players, particularly those struggling with health-related challenges after years of service to the nation.
“Our former national team players brought immense pride and glory to Ghana through their dedication, sacrifice and service to the nation,” Okraku said.
“Many of them continue to face significant health challenges long after their playing careers have ended, and it is only fitting that the football family stands with them during these difficult moments,” he added.
For the GFA president, former internationals deserve continued recognition and assistance because of the sacrifices they made while representing Ghana at the highest level.
Many of these players carried the hopes of millions of Ghanaians during major international competitions and contributed to some of the memorable moments in the history of the Black Stars.
However, the transition from professional football to retirement can be challenging, particularly for players who develop health complications or struggle financially after leaving the game.
Okraku’s remarks also underline the need for stakeholders in Ghanaian football to explore sustainable ways of strengthening welfare structures for retired players, especially those who require medical care and other forms of assistance.
The call comes at a time when the welfare of former footballers continues to generate discussion in Ghana, with several retired players publicly sharing their experiences and concerns about life after football.
By standing with former internationals when they need assistance, the football community can ensure that players who once represented Ghana on the international stage continue to feel valued even after their playing days are over.
His appeal ultimately serves as a reminder that the football family has a responsibility to honour and support those who dedicated their careers to bringing pride and glory to Ghana.
Source:Fiilasports/ghanasoccernet
