The President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, has presented a detailed package of reforms, investments, and policy changes designed to modernize Ghanaian football, enhance grassroots development, and improve governance. This announcement was made during 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 committed to building on recent achievements while addressing long-standing challenges in administration, infrastructure, and player development.
Key reforms and initiatives announced include:
- Professionalisation of the Game – Introduction of a Standard Player Contract, mandatory from the 2025/26 season, alongside new Media and Marketing Regulations and a Football Academy Licensing framework.
- Infrastructure Upgrades – Ongoing improvements at the Prampram technical centre, including a new multi-purpose court, gym, natural grass pitches, and a 40-bed accommodation facility nearing completion.
- Club Incentives – Expansion of the Bus Acquisition Strategy, with 13 buses already presented to champions and eight pickup trucks to regional FAs, with more to come.
- Referees’ Welfare – Comprehensive insurance coverage, increased match fees, provision of uniforms and boots, and subsidised travel in partnership with STC.
- Youth Development – Mandatory inclusion of U-19 players in matchday squads from next season, $200,000 worth of footballs for grassroots programmes, and continued investment in Colts football and elite academies in Bolgatanga, Prempeh College, and Achimota.
- Support for Women’s Football – Sustained backing following the Black Queens’ bronze medal at the Women’s AFCON and the U-15 girls’ double gold at CAF Schools Championships.
- Policy Advocacy – Calls for regulated alcoholic beverage sponsorship, betting tax redistribution for football development, VAT reductions for clubs, and tax exemptions on football equipment.
Mr Okraku also praised the achievements of Ghanaian clubs and national youth teams in continental competitions, emphasising that “the strength of Ghana football lies in the unity of its stakeholders.”
Congress Resolutions
Delegates voted to extend the GFA President’s maximum tenure from two to three terms, with 114 votes in favour, three abstentions, and six against. The association will now also have two vice-presidents, one of whom must be a woman.
Source: Evans Effah
