President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, has vowed to strengthen the recent progress in Ghana football while tackling long-standing challenges, announcing a series of reforms and development projects at the Association’s 31st Ordinary Congress held at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram.
Speaking under the theme “Winning the 12th Man, Youth Empowerment & Consolidating Our Gains”, Mr Okraku reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to transparency, grassroots development, and improving Ghana’s profile on the global stage.
The session began with a solemn tribute to departed football icons, including Ghana’s first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) goal scorer, Wilberforce Kwadwo Mfum, as well as other notable administrators, journalists, and club leaders.
Key Achievements in the Past Year
Mr Okraku highlighted a strong year for Ghanaian clubs on the continent, with FC Samartex competing in the CAF Champions League and Nsoatreman FC representing in the CAF Confederation Cup. Youth and women’s football also excelled, with the U-15 girls’ team winning gold at both zonal and continental CAF African Schools Football Championships, and the Black Queens securing bronze at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Domestically, the GFA completed all national competitions — from the Premier League to Beach Soccer and Futsal — for the sixth consecutive season. The Catch Them Young policy continued to thrive, training over 750 coaches and 2,561 young referees.
Major Reforms and Infrastructure Development
In its push to professionalise the sport, the GFA introduced the Standard Player Contract, to become mandatory in the 2025/26 season, along with new Media and Marketing Regulations and a Football Academy Licensing framework to standardise talent development.
The Prampram Technical Centre is undergoing major upgrades, including a new multi-purpose court and gym, natural grass pitches, and a 40-bed accommodation facility, with projects between 75% and 95% complete.
The Bus Acquisition Strategy will also continue, with 13 buses already presented to Division One League and Women’s Premier League champions, and eight pickup trucks distributed to Regional Football Associations. More vehicles will be provided in the coming season.
Referees and Integrity Measures
Calling referees the “unseen backbone” of football, Mr Okraku announced enhanced welfare measures: insurance cover for all referees, increased match fees, new uniforms and boots, and subsidised travel through a partnership with STC. He also warned against hooliganism, stressing the need for collective action to protect match officials.
Youth Development and Grassroots Support
From next season, all GPL, Division One, and Division Two teams must include at least one U-19 player in their matchday squads. The FA will also continue its support for Colts football, regional championships, and elite academies in Bolgatanga, Prempeh College, and Achimota, with $200,000 worth of footballs to be distributed nationwide.
Sponsorship and Policy Advocacy
Mr Okraku renewed calls for reforms to allow regulated alcoholic beverage sponsorships, citing their success in boosting competitions like the UEFA Champions League. He also proposed a betting tax redistribution to fund football development, VAT reductions for clubs, tax exemptions on football equipment, and corporate tax incentives for sponsors.
Unity Call and Constitutional Amendments
Concluding his address, Mr Okraku urged all stakeholders to work together:
“The strength of Ghana football lies in the unity of its stakeholders. Let us protect the integrity of the game, develop our talents, support our clubs, and raise the standard of our competitions.”
The Congress also approved key constitutional changes, including extending the GFA President’s term limit from two to three terms (with 114 votes in favour, three abstentions, and six against) and introducing a second vice-president position, one of which must be held by a woman.
