Former Ghana international Nii Odartey Lamptey says the people surrounding Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kurt Okraku are failing to help him build a positive legacy.
Lamptey’s comments come amid growing scrutiny of the GFA following Ghana’s poor start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign.
The Black Stars opened their Group C campaign with a 2-0 defeat by Ivory Coast before suffering another setback against The Gambia.
Ghana appeared to be in control after taking a 2-0 lead at the Accra Sports Stadium, but conceded four second-half goals to lose 4-2.
The results have left the four-time African champions without a point from their opening two matches and facing a difficult task to qualify for the tournament after missing the 2025 edition.
Lamptey, who won 38 caps for Ghana and represented the country at the 1992 Olympic Games, believes Okraku’s position has been made more difficult by those around him.
“I love Kurt Okraku, but he has created enemies for himself, and the enemies want his downfall,” Lamptey told 3Sports.
“Those around him are not helping him. Until Kurt realises that he has to change so many things, so many things will go against him. Everyone is complaining.”
The former Ghana forward also warned that divisions surrounding the GFA president were affecting the wider administration of Ghanaian football.
“When you create enemies for yourself, it affects the work that you are doing. That is what is happening to Ghana football now,” he added.
Lamptey’s comments come at a turbulent time for the Black Stars, with the GFA facing increased pressure over the team’s recent performances and the direction of the senior national side.
Following the defeats by Ivory Coast and The Gambia, Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz left his position as Black Stars head coach by mutual agreement.
The GFA is now searching for a new coach as Ghana attempts to revive its AFCON qualifying campaign.
The Black Stars’ next assignment is a double-header against Somalia in October, with both matches scheduled to be played at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Ghana will need to win both games to improve their position in Group C and boost their hopes of returning to the continental tournament.
