Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku has expressed his disappointment following the Black Stars’ failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Mr Okraku took to Facebook to reflect on the team’s journey from their recent highs to this monumental disaster, describing the situation as painful.

"From the highest heights of world football on the 29th of March 2022 to the lowest ebb of AFCON qualifying matches. My heart bleeds," Okraku began, referring to Ghana’s qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup as a moment of pride, now overshadowed by their inability to secure a spot in AFCON 2025.

He acknowledged the disappointment shared by fans and stakeholders, admitting that the current state of affairs does not align with their expectations.

"Definitely, this is not what we want or what we bargained for," he wrote. "At this point, only cool heads can win, and we as leaders of our sport will stay together, be honest with ourselves, and fix this problem."

He also described the journey to recovery as “bumpy and rough,” but remained optimistic about the nation’s potential for resurgence.

"The road to full recovery after normalisation is definitely bumpy and rough, but our collective efforts and patience will win, and Ghana, our beloved country, will win," he said.

"As a Black Stars fan and as the leader, I share in your pain and in our pain," he wrote, reiterating his commitment to guiding the team through this difficult period.

Despite the setback, Okraku ended his post on a hopeful note, assuring fans that the team will bounce back stronger.

"We will rise from this temporary setback. It shall be well," he concluded.

The Black Stars’ failure to qualify for AFCON 2025 marks a historic low for Ghanaian football, prompting widespread criticism of the team’s performance and the leadership of the GFA. Okraku’s call for unity and honest reflection could set the tone for a new chapter in Ghana football’s recovery efforts.