The President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive growth, strong governance and sustainable football development following a high-level strategic engagement with the leadership of the Upper West Regional Football Association (RFA).
The meeting, held during his first official visit to the region, brought together the regional executive body led by Chairman Alhaji Sadugu Yahaya. Discussions focused on identifying opportunities, addressing key challenges and strengthening collaboration to fast-track football development across the Upper West Region.
President Simeon-Okraku expressed profound appreciation for the warm reception and praised the region for its resilience and dedication to reviving the game despite previous setbacks.
“Our responsibility was to revive football at every level when the game was brought to its knees,” he said.
“The Premier League, Women’s League, Division One, Regional Leagues, Beach Soccer and Futsal had all come to a standstill. Through your dedication and commitment, we have revived the sport, and our people are once again enjoying football.”
He noted that renewed investment and targeted interventions by the GFA have reignited nationwide passion for the game, while also creating economic opportunities for clubs and administrators.
“Through your hard work, we have ignited passion among clubs and created wealth through targeted financial support systems and cushions. I am happy to say that we have brought back the love and passion for football,” he added.
Highlighting tangible progress, the GFA President pointed to the Upper West Region’s growing participation in national competitions as a clear indicator of development.
“We are now competing in all national tournaments organised by the FA, in both boys’ and girls’ divisions,” he stated, describing the current football framework as “the most organised we have experienced—from the youth level to the national stage—for the first time in the history of our game.”
President Simeon-Okraku urged regional football administrators to embrace creativity and innovation to sustain growth and enhance excitement around the sport.
“I want to encourage you to think outside the box because that is the only way to create excitement,” he emphasised.
A key highlight of the engagement was his strong advocacy for women’s football, particularly the introduction of the FIFA-supported U-15 Girls League. He described the initiative as a vital step in fixing the fundamentals of the women’s game.
“In the past, young girls were completely cut off from organised football and had to wait until Division One, which is not understandable,” he explained.
“The U-15 Girls League provides a clear first step for every young girl, allowing them to feel the ball early and grow naturally within the system.”
He reaffirmed the GFA’s continued support for Regional Football Associations, referencing strategic interventions rolled out over time, including logistical support such as the recent distribution of pick-up vehicles to the regions.
In a major announcement, President Simeon-Okraku revealed plans to establish permanent GFA offices in all regions, describing the initiative as critical to long-term football development.
“One of the foremost things we hope to achieve moving forward is to have our own offices across all regions. This is the first time I am making this promise, and God willing, with your support, I will deliver,” he said.
“When we have our own offices, creating a good working environment and taking care of the various departments, football will only progress.”
The meeting also offered RFA executives the opportunity to provide feedback and outline challenges facing football in the region. President Simeon-Okraku assured them of coordinated efforts by the GFA to address these concerns, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to partnership-driven development.
The engagement marks a significant step in strengthening collaboration between the GFA and regional football bodies, as the Association continues to build a more inclusive, structured and sustainable football ecosystem across Ghana.
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