GFA Term Limit Extension: Jerome Otchere Kicks Against 12-Year Tenure Proposal
- The GFA wants to extend presidential term limits from 8 to 12 years, but former Asante Kotoko official Jerome Otchere has spoken against it
- The same voices that once condemned Nyantakyi’s long reign are now pushing to stay longer themselves
- Critics are calling the fresh proposal selfish, hypocritical, dangerous as Kurt Okraku seeks to stay on for more years
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The recent proposal to extend the Ghana Football Association (GFA) presidential term limit from two to three terms has ignited a storm of debate, and for good reason.
Former Asante Kotoko Communications Director, Jerome Otchere, has openly criticised the move, describing it as "selfish, immoral, and irresponsible."
Source: Getty Images
His strong words resonate with many football fans and stakeholders who believe the proposal undermines the very foundations of good governance in Ghana football.
The current GFA constitution limits a president to two four-year terms—a structure designed to prevent the monopolization of power and ensure leadership renewal.
The idea to push this to three terms, making it possible for a GFA president to remain in office for up to 12 years, raises legitimate concerns, especially when the suggestion comes from those already in power.
Otchere's critique, which is originally available on his official website, dives into the moral contradictions that cloud this proposal. He points out that several proponents of the extension were once staunch critics of former GFA president Kwesi Nyantakyi.
The ex-FIFA Council member spent 13 years in office and became a symbol of entrenched power and controversy.
According to Otchere, this flip-flop in values smacks of hypocrisy. If Nyantakyi's extended stay was viewed as unhealthy for Ghana football, what makes a similar proposal today any more palatable?
Otchere argues convincingly that this inconsistency should worry every lover of the sport. It suggests that the current push isn’t about strengthening governance but securing more time for those already in charge.
Source: Getty Images
The FIFA comparison
One of the defences of the proposal is that FIFA, the global football body, allows its president to serve up to three four-year terms.
Proponents argue that aligning GFA’s structure with FIFA’s would bring consistency. On the surface, this appears reasonable. Otchere warns, we must look beyond the surface, as reported by FootyDreams.
The FIFA comparison is a convenient shield, used to disguise what many see as a naked power grab.
FIFA’s global position, extensive systems, and broad checks and balances make its context very different from that of a national association like the GFA.
Importing term limits without importing the same accountability measures is not reform, it’s mimicry for selfish gain.
''Never trust human nature for our nature is patently corrupt. The actions of those fronting this proposal smack of hypocrisy, double standard, and for that reason, their motives must be questioned. The term-limit extension is couched under the pretext of aligning it with that of FIFA, which is three four-year terms.'' Jerome Otchere wrote.
Timing of the GFA proposal
Another worrying aspect of the proposal is its timing. The current administration, led by Kurt Okraku, has not even completed its second term.
According to Otchere, to be floating constitutional amendments that directly benefit the sitting leadership before their term expires raises eyebrows.
“Which responsible leadership conceives a constitutional amendment, especially on term limits, when their original term of office has not ended?” he asks.
The heart of Otchere’s critique—and that of many concerned observers—is the lack of selflessness in the current debate. Ghana football has suffered in recent years, particularly after the #12 exposé that exposed deep-seated corruption.
The former Kotoko Express editor believes the sport needs a new era of transparency, innovation, and inclusive governance—not leadership extensions and personality cults.
True leaders do not build systems around their personal ambitions. They build structures that function effectively even in their absence.
GFA needs better governance
Strong institutions are built when systems—not individuals—are at the center of governance. As Otchere puts it, institutions grow by learning from their flaws and evolving over time.
The GFA should be focusing on strengthening its governance structures, expanding grassroots football, and improving transparency—not on how to keep the current leadership in power longer.
Six years into the current administration, it's far too early to judge the effectiveness of its policies, let alone justify giving it more years to stay in office.
Instead of entrenching leadership, Ghana football should be opening up, diversifying leadership, and setting standards that future administrations must follow.
Jerome Otchere ends his statement with a call to those with conviction to reject this proposal. While he admits he has little faith in the GFA Congress to vote against it, he appeals to a higher judge—posterity.
In an interview with YEN.com, renowned Ghana Premier League promoter Sadu Michael from the Asante Kotoko Circles called on GFA leaders to reconsider the proposal.
''They should think twice about this plan to extend the term limit becasue this is not what we all want, especially coming from the Anas No. 12 expose.'' Sau said.
Kurt Okraku secures top CAF position
YEN.com.gh earlier reported that Ghana Football Association President Kurt Okraku reached a major milestone on July 5, 2025, after he won a top position at CAF.
Until that achievement, the Dreams FC board chairman, was the chairman of WAFU Zone B president.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
