Accra, Ghana – April 29, 2025 — President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Dr. Patrice Motsepe, has lauded His Excellency John Dramani Mahama for his unwavering dedication to the growth of football in Ghana and across the continent, as he reaffirmed CAF’s commitment to deeper collaboration with African governments to uplift the sport.
In a show of CAF’s heightened engagement with African leadership, Dr. Motsepe led a distinguished delegation to the Jubilee House in Accra during his recent visit to Ghana. The trip coincided with CAF’s Executive Committee meeting and the grand finale of the CAF African Schools Football Championship, held over the weekend in Accra.
During the strategic high-level meeting at the seat of government, discussions centered on ways to build stronger football structures and harness youth potential through the sport. Dr. Motsepe emphasized that CAF’s vision for African football cannot be realized without the active involvement of political leaders.
“We are grateful for the support and leadership of President Mahama,” Dr. Motsepe said during a press briefing at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra on Saturday. “He is an exceptional leader doing remarkable work, particularly in aligning national development with football growth. His cooperation with our brother Kurt [Okraku] is encouraging, and it gives us great optimism about the future of football in Ghana.”
Ghana’s Rising Influence in African Football
Among the CAF delegation was Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, who continues to solidify Ghana’s prominence in continental football administration. Just last month, Okraku was elected to CAF’s Executive Committee, becoming only the sixth Ghanaian in history to attain such a position. His influence was further cemented at Saturday’s Executive Committee meeting, where he was appointed CAF’s 2nd Vice-President.
Dr. Motsepe praised Okraku’s leadership and Ghana’s increasing footprint within CAF’s hierarchy, describing it as a “testament to Ghana’s growing relevance in the future of African football.”
“The elevation of Kurt to the position of Second Vice-President of CAF shows the confidence the football community has in Ghanaian leadership,” he stated. “We are proud of this achievement and look forward to closer collaboration.”
A Call for Safer Stadiums Across Africa
Dr. Motsepe also used his platform to speak out strongly against the growing threat of fan violence and hooliganism at football venues on the continent. According to him, CAF is working urgently to introduce new safety protocols aimed at protecting lives and ensuring that football stadiums remain safe, family-friendly environments.
“One of our top priorities is the safety of football fans,” he said. “We are currently reviewing policies and learning from international best practices. The objective is clear: not a single injury, not a single life lost due to violence at our football matches. Every fan deserves to enjoy the beautiful game in a secure atmosphere.”
He continued, “This is not a responsibility we take lightly. CAF will remain resolute and uncompromising in its efforts to eliminate violence from football. The integrity of the sport depends on the safety and well-being of our supporters.”
Football as a Catalyst for Youth Development
During his visit, Dr. Motsepe also reaffirmed CAF’s commitment to youth empowerment through grassroots football. He emphasized that initiatives like the CAF African Schools Championship are not just about sports, but also about providing educational and developmental pathways for Africa’s youth.
“Football is more than a game. It’s a tool for education, unity, and transformation,” he said. “Through competitions like the African Schools Championship, we are nurturing not just future football stars, but also future leaders of our continent.”
The championship, which saw young talents from across Africa converge in Ghana, was hailed as a success by both CAF and local stakeholders. President Mahama’s administration was instrumental in facilitating the hosting of the tournament, which showcased the potential of African youth when given the right platform and support.
A United Front for African Football
As CAF continues to push its agenda of transformation, Dr. Motsepe stressed the importance of strong partnerships with governments. He explained that sustainable progress in African football requires a united front between football administrators, policymakers, and communities.
“The future of football on this continent lies in unity — unity between CAF, national federations, and the governments of our 54 member countries,” he said. “With this partnership, we can provide better infrastructure, more opportunities for youth, and a football ecosystem that competes on the global stage.”
President Mahama, according to insiders, assured CAF of his unwavering support and reiterated his belief in the transformative power of sports, especially football, in national development. His track record, particularly in infrastructural investments during his previous tenure, has been widely praised by sports development experts across the continent.
Conclusion: Building the Future Together
Dr. Motsepe’s visit not only strengthened CAF’s ties with Ghana but also signaled a renewed focus on development-oriented football policies. His engagements with President Mahama and the GFA leadership underscored the growing alignment between political will and sporting ambition in the quest to reposition African football.
As Ghana continues to play a leading role in CAF’s transformation journey, the synergy between national leadership and continental football governance offers hope for a brighter, more inclusive future for the sport on the continent.
