Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku has expressed disappointment regarding international football players of African descent choosing to play for European nations instead of their ancestral countries.
Speaking ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Ghana is scheduled to face England, Okraku highlighted Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo as a specific example of a player who should be playing for the Black Stars.
“Full-blooded Ghanaians should be representing their countries. That’s my clear opinion on representation when it comes to national teams in football,” Okraku told Sky Sports. “But having said that, I think that England has a good team. It’s important we respect the manager and the experience that he brings on board, but what is also true is that they will meet a very, very competitive and determined Ghanaian side.”
When questioned further about Mainoo’s choice to commit his international career to England, the GFA boss described the circumstances as regrettable.
“Well, it’s most unfortunate, to be honest,” Okraku stated. “I wish I never comment on it. I wish I never comment on such situations because for example when I watched the French national team win the World Cup, and the team is made up 11 Africans. It always tells me there’s a subject that has to be discussed.”