10 Reasons Michael Essien Should Consider Becoming the Next Ghana Football Association President
- Former Chelsea star Michael Essien is widely regarded as one of Ghana's greatest players of all time
- The ex-Ghana Premier League player achieved peerless success in European football, winning the Champions League in 2012
- Kurt Okraku's second term as GFA president is set to end in 2027 amid a proposal to increase the term limit to 12 years
Former Chelsea and Real Madrid player, Michael Essien, has been asked to follow in the footsteps of Samuel Eto'o, who transitioned from an iconic footballer to president of the Cameroonian Football Federation.
Essien, a name synonymous with Ghanaian football excellence, has transitioned from a celebrated playing career to a promising coaching and leadership role.
With his wealth of experience, leadership acumen, and passion for the game, Michael Essien is uniquely positioned to lead Ghana football into a new era of excellence
Source: Getty Images
Here are ten compelling reasons why Michael Essien should consider stepping into this significant role:
1. Proven leadership experience
Essien's leadership extends beyond the pitch. According to PFAG, he is currently serving as the 2nd Vice President of the Professional Footballers Association of Ghana (PFAG), and he has demonstrated a commitment to advocating for players' rights and welfare.
2. Extensive international playing career
With a career spanning top clubs like Chelsea, Lyon, Real Madrid, and AC Milan, Michael Essien, who made Ghana proud during the 2005 Ballon d'Or, has amassed invaluable experience in elite football environments.
His understanding of international football dynamics can be instrumental in elevating Ghana's standing on the global stage.
3. Deep understanding of Ghanaian football
Essien's roots in Ghanaian football, starting with Liberty Professionals, provide him with an authentic perspective on the challenges and potential within the local football scene.
4. Commitment to youth development
Through his role at FC Nordsjælland, Michael Essien has been actively involved in nurturing young talents, emphasising the importance of grassroots development.
Essien himself is a product of Ghana's youth football system thanks to the five-year development plan initiated by ex-GFA president Ben Koufie. He featured for the Black Starlets, Black Satellites before playing for the Black Stars.
Source: Getty Images
5. UEFA football management certification
Demonstrating his commitment to continuous learning, Essien has earned the UEFA Certificate in Football Management, equipping him with the skills necessary for effective football governance.
6. Strong advocacy for player integration
Essien has been a vocal advocate for the seamless integration of foreign-born Ghanaian players into the national team, emphasising unity and cohesion within the squad.
7. Respected global ambassador
His global stature and respect within the football community can serve as a bridge, fostering international partnerships and collaborations beneficial to Ghanaian football.
Having represented Lyon in Ligue 1, Chelsea in the Premier League, and Real Madrid in La Liga, the former Liberty Professionals midfielder has built valuable connections with key figures in the football world.
8. Vision for modernising the GFA
Essien's experiences abroad have exposed him to advanced football infrastructures and management practices, which he can adapt to modernise the GFA's operations.
Due to this, if Essien were to take the helm of the GFA in the future, clubs and players in the Ghana Premier League could be confident of top-tier football practices.
9. Dedication to national pride
Essien's unwavering support for the Black Stars, even in challenging times, reflects his deep-seated pride and commitment to the nation's footballing success.
According to the Ghana FA, the former Black Stars midfielder recently visited the national team during the recent Unity Cup in England, something that earned him lots of praise on social media.
10. Unifying figure for Ghanaian football
Beyond his technical skills, Essien embodies the spirit of unity and resilience, qualities essential for leading the GFA into a new era of success and harmony.
Although Michael Essien has yet to express any interest in the top football position in Ghana, it remains uncertain whether he will decide to contest for it in the future.
Michael Essien: Ghana's best midfielder of all-time
YEN.com.gh recently highlighted why Michael Essien stands out as Ghana's greatest midfielder of all time.
While the nation has produced many exceptional players in that role, the former Lyon and Real Madrid star operated on a level above the rest."
Source: YEN.com.gh
