Sports
GFA hold 30th Ordinary Congress at Prampram
The 30th Ordinary Congress of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) took place on August 27, 2024, at the Ghanaman Soccer Center of Excellence in Prampram.
The Congress was addressed by GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, who delivered a comprehensive speech highlighting the progress made in various aspects of the Ghanaian game whilst acknowledging challenges that require attention.
President Simeon-Okraku began by acknowledging the contributions of past Football Association Heads to the development of the game in Ghana. He also paid glowing tribute to Ghanaian football legends who graced the occasion. In a solemn mood, President Simeon-Okraku led the gathering to honour the memory of some football persons who had passed on during the course of the year under review.
Simeon-Okraku went on to laud Medeama SC and Dreams FC for the progressive performances that they put up in the 2023-24 CAF Inter-Club competitions.
He was effusive in his praise of the national Under 20 Male and female national teams, who won Gold medals at the 2023 Africa Games. The Black Princesses’ qualification for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and the Black Stars’ resurgence under new Coach Otto Addo also received mention by the President.
He emphasized the importance of infrastructure development, citing the transformation of the Ghanaman Soccer Center of Excellence, the renovation of the Headquarters of the GFA and new developments in infrastructure at the GFA’s Headquarters in Accra.
Youth development, refereeing, and coach education were also key areas of focus, with President Simeon-Okraku highlighting initiatives to improve the quality of these aspects in Ghanaian football. He made glowing mention of the Catch them Young Refereeing policy and indicated that the GFA would soon be announcing its first batch of 10 professional Referees.
Integrity and transparency were also emphasized, with the GFA President assuring delegates of the Association’s commitment to fair play and ethical conduct.
The relationship between Ghana Football and the government of Ghana was also discussed, with President Okraku expressing gratitude for the government’s support and collaboration. He laid out a number of areas in which the GFA believes that the Government can significantly boost Ghana’s Football industry, pointing at tax incentives, the creation of a Sports Fund, relaxing of the regulatory regime which prevents alcoholic beverages from sponsoring football.
In conclusion, President Okraku quoted Nelson Mandela, saying, “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does.”
The congress was attended by delegates from various regions, clubs, and stakeholders in Ghanaian football, and marked the first time ever that the Congress had been held over a two-day period.
Sports
Black Starlets arrives in Morocco on U-17 AFCON mission …FA boss charges team to make Ghana proud
The Black Starlets, the national U-17 male team, have safely arrived in Casablanca ahead of the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The team departed Accra on Wednesday, travelling with a 35-man contingent made up of 21 players and 14 officials, all focused on delivering a strong campaign on the continental stage.
They completed a smooth five-hour flight to Morocco, where final preparations will continue before the tournament kicks off.
The technical team is expected to fine-tune tactics and build cohesion among the squad as they gear up for the competition.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Mr Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, was present at the Accra International Airport to bid farewell to the team.
Speaking during a brief farewell at the Airport, the FA President urged the team to carry a ‘never say die’ spirit into the competition.
President Simeon-Okraku emphasised the importance of mental strength and unity, particularly in difficult moments during matches. His message was inspired by the team’s recent friendly encounters against Cote d’Ivoire, where they bounced back strongly after an initial defeat.
“I’m very happy that when you lost to Cote d’Ivoire in your first game during your friendly matches, you were able to bounce back—not only to dominate but to outscore them in the second game,” he said. “I read a lot of meaning into that, and I want all of you to keep that in your heads—that, it’s not over until it’s all over,” he added.
The FA president stressed that the ability to respond positively to setbacks would be crucial in a tournament as competitive as the AFCON.
He encouraged the players to stay united and support one another when the pressure intensifies on the continental stage.
“When the chips are down, that’s when we need to hold each other together,” Okraku added. “So go out there and make Ghana proud.”
Ghana will compete in Group D alongside Algeria, Senegal, and South Africa, with their opening match scheduled for Thursday, May 14.
Twenty-three (23) players have been called up for this month’s international friendly against Mexico.
The squad is composed of star players from the domestic league and European leagues who are closely monitored by Coach Carlos Queiroz, as well as U-23 players who will soon represent Ghana in the upcoming Olympic Games qualifiers.
Notable names include Majeed Ashimeru, Felix Afena-Gyan, Razak Simpson, and Birmingham City’s Ibrahim Osman.
Ashimeru returns to action after a long spell on the sidelines due to a muscle injury that limited his appearances at both club and national level.
Also in the team is Felix Afena-Gyan, whose last appearance for Ghana was in May last year when he featured against Trinidad and Tobago in the Unity Cup in London.
Barcelona B’s Abdul Aziz Issah, Ebenezer Annan of AS Saint-Étienne, Ibrahim Osman of Birmingham City, and Paul Reverson of Ajax FC have also been included in the squad.
Midfielder Salim Adams, one of the key players for Ghana Premier League leaders Medeama SC, leads the group of home-based players.
Others are Heart of Lions’ Ebenezer Abban, Ebenezer Adade of Dreams FC, and Nations FC captain Razak Simpson. Ghana will travel to Mexico for the international friendly on Friday, May 22, 2026.
