Sports
Kurt E.S Okraku champions equal opportunities for ex-footballers in Ghana Football Management
Stephen Appiah’s appointment as Vice Chairman of the Black Stars management committee further underscores Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Kurt Okraku’s vision of inclusivity and equal opportunities for former footballers.

Appiah, who famously captained Ghana to its maiden FIFA World Cup appearance in 2006, joins a growing list of ex-players now occupying pivotal roles in football management.
Under Okraku’s leadership, the GFA has transitioned several former players into significant positions, ensuring their expertise shapes Ghanaian football’s future.
Former Black Stars goalkeeper Fatau Dauda now serves as the A national team goalkeepers’ coach, while ex-Black Stars defender John Paintsil has been appointed as an assistant coach. These roles highlight the GFA’s belief in leveraging the knowledge and experience of seasoned players to drive success.
Esme Mends, a former Real Sportive and Hearts of Oak midfielder, works as the GFA Club Licensing Manager.
Similarly, former Medeama captain Joseph Tetteh Zutah oversees the GFA Elite football Academies at the Technical Directorate, focusing on developing young talent. He also serves as a supporting staff at the National Team Department.
Women’s football has also seen significant representation.
Former Black Queens goalkeeper Fafali Dumehasi serves on the Black Princesses’ technical committee, while ex-Black Queens player Anita Owiredu Mintah is an assistant coach to Kim Lars Björkegren, the Black Queens’ head coach.
Charles Sampson, a former Ghanaian international, has been appointed head coach of the Black Princesses, and Nassam Yakubu serves as the Princesses’ goalkeepers’ coach.
Former Black Queens captain Adjoa Bayor is the Equipment Officer for the Queens, with Genevive Clottey serving in the same role for the Princesses.
Dora Zutah, another former player, is an assistant coach for the Princesses.
At the youth level, former players like Nii Odartey Lamptey and Isaac Amoako are part of the Black Satellites’ technical team as assistant and goalkeepers’ coaches, respectively.
Frimpong Manso, the former Kotoko and Black Stars great, is now head coach of the U-17 team. The Black Galaxies benefit from the expertise of Mas Ud Dramani, Baba Nuhu (former U-17 and Black Maidens coach), and Samuel Boadu (former Black Satellites coach), who all serve as part of the technical staff.
Additionally, the GFA has engaged former players like Godwin Attram, Ibrahim Tanko, and the late Michael Osei for roles with the Black Meteors.
Yaw Preko leads the U-15 team, with Awudu Issaka and Mubarak Gado as his assistant coaches.
These appointments highlight Okraku’s dedication to providing platforms for ex-footballers to transition into administrative roles.
By investing in their development and experience, the GFA is fostering a robust football management ecosystem, ensuring former players contribute to the growth of Ghanaian football.
Source:Fiilasports/ghanasoccernet