Outrage As GFA President Kurt Okraku Reveals Coach Kim Lars Has Gone 13 Months Without Pay

Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Simeon-Okraku has sparked widespread public outcry after revealing that Kim Lars Björkegren, head coach of the Black Queens and acting coach of the Black Stars, has gone unpaid for 13 consecutive months.

Speaking on TV3 Ghana on November 4, 2026, Okraku addressed the financial strain surrounding the national team management. His admission immediately drew sharp criticism, particularly given Björkegren’s dual responsibility of managing both the senior women’s national team and acting as interim manager for the men’s national side under high-pressure conditions.

Ghanaians reacted with intense backlash across social media platforms, with many questioning the logic behind the GFA chief publicly lamenting the situation. Critics pointed out that as head of the nation’s football governing body, Okraku bears primary responsibility for securing funding and ensuring technical staff are compensated. Fans demanded to know who the public disclosure was directed at, calling it an unacceptable shift of administrative accountability.

The revelation has raised serious questions about financial management, administrative competence, and institutional integrity within the GFA. Sports analysts and supporters expressed concern that withholding compensation for over a year severely damages the reputation of Ghanaian football internationally and undermines squad performance.

While some fans met the news with sarcastic humor, the broader sentiment remains one of frustration over persistent welfare issues affecting national team coaches and players. Football stakeholders are now demanding immediate transparency from the ministry and the GFA regarding when the Swedish tactician’s outstanding wages will be fully settled, warning that systemic non-payment threatens the long-term stability of the national football program.

AbenaTetteh56 [email protected]