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All you need to know about new GFA President Kurt Okraku

By Mutala Yakubu
Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku
Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku
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The name of the new President of the Ghana FA is Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku.

The name Okraku definitely rings a bell in the history of football in our beloved Ghana.

It was, therefore, not by coincidence that his experience with the beautiful game started at a very early age (17 year old) when he formed Shooting Stars FC, a youth club in the suburb of Accra.

Since then every step he has taken has been in connection with the football industry.

His love for the beautiful game has sent him on a great journey to becoming a sports journalist and seasoned football administrator.

READ ALSO: George Afriyie concedes defeat as Kurt Okraku is elected GFA President

From becoming Chairman of the ever famous colts club, Jawara Babies, to Communication Director of Afienya United FC to being one of the finest football students.

He volunteered as a Sports Presenter/Producer at campus-based Radio Universe while he was studying for his Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Ghana; it has always been football.

He owned a youth club. He owned a division three club, successfully owned a division two club, a division one club and been involved in the management of a number of premier league clubs. Thus, he has seen it all at every stage of our football ecosystem and in a position to lead the resolution of the challenges that confront the industry.

Again, from managing the Ghana League Clubs Association to attaining a Masters in Business Administration in football Management from the prestigious University of Liverpool, trained by the very best, he is well prepared for the quest for the new challenge.

EDUCATION / TRAINING

2006 – Hospitality and Tourism Management – Manchester Trinity College, UK  2005 – MBA (Football Management) – University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK 2004 – Microsoft Certified System Engineering – Tech Connect, Manchester, UK 2003 – First Aid Course for First Aider – Manchester, UK  2001 – Advanced Certificate in Marketing – Emile Wool Colleges, London, UK  2000 – Diploma in Journalism – Ghana Institute of Journalism, Ghana  1997 – Bachelor of Arts Degree – University of Ghana, Ghana.

 1997 – Certificate of Attendance: Price Water House Associates Course in contracting out and privatization for Ghana Civil Services, Ghana

HIGHLIGHTS OF FOOTBALL EXPEREINCE & ADMINISTRATION

 2018: Chairman, Local Black Stars Committee  2017-2018: Chairman, MTN FA Cup Committee  2016-2017: Vice Chairman, MTN FA Cup Committee  2015–2018: Member, GFA Executive Committee  2010-2016: Member, MTN FA Cup Committee  2011-to date: Executive Chairman, Dreams Football Club & its feeder clubs  Still Believe FC – 2nd division club,  In God We Trust SC – colts club,  Dreams Tamale FC – 2nd division club

 2011: General Manager, Wassaman FC

 2009: Formed Dreams Football Club

 2008-2010: Administrative Manager, Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA)

 2006–2007: Communications and Marketing Director, Accra Hearts of Oak SC

 2004-2009: Director, Proton Marketing and Management Service, UK Consultant

 2003-2007: Consultant, Jehovah Nisi International Soccer Promotions, Israel

 2001-2005: Consultant, All Sports Management Consult, Manchester

 1999-2000: Deputy Sports Editor, Network Broadcasting Ltd (Radio Gold)

 1998-19999: Sports Editor, Groove FM, Accra

 1997-1998: Public Relations Department, Ministry of Youth & Sports (Ghana)

 1996-1999: Public Relations Officer, Afienya Untied FC – Tema, Ghana

 1996-1999: Sports Producer/Presenter, Radio Universe 105.7fm

 Early Ages: -Director, Jawara Babies Colts Club – Owner, Shorting Stars FC Colts Club, Achimota, Accra

PUBLICATIONS & CONFERENCES

2005 – How can financing of football clubs in Ghana be improved? Liverpool Mgt School, University of Liverpool, UK  2005 – Broadcasting Revenue: Has the bubble burst? – Football Industry Group Conference, Liverpool, UK  2004 – SOCCEREX- “When football meets business”- Annual Participant in various countries  2004 – GOODMANS – Maximizing IP Rights in football Conference – Surrey,

Source: ghanasoccernet