Sports
GFA Exco approves 3 developmental funds
The Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has approved three developmental funds for the federation.
The funds among others are set up to help the GFA improve in the areas concerned.
They include the Central Fund, Medical Fund and the World Cup Benefit Fund.
The Central Fund, according to an FA statement, was set up to support activities of Juvenile and Women’s football, Regional Football Federations (RFA’s) and the Medical Fund.
This fund, it said, was important due to the pressing need for a dedicated source of funding for the aforementioned activities.
Sources for the funds will be 10 per cent of all net statutory payments to the GFA and all net revenues accruing to the GFA from the participation of national teams in International assignments, two per cent of revenue generated from Football Development Fund (FDF) via international transfers and revenues from corporate sponsorship
The Medical Fund was set up to cater for serious injuries to players in the Premier, Division One and Elite Women’s division with sources as the Central Fund and proceeds from all FA Cup matches. Injuries such as bones, cartilage and ligaments shall not be solely left to the responsibility of clubs.
The Council, according to the statement, looks forward to securing partnerships with medical institutions and experts in ensuring that players especially, operate at optimum level at all times and are also guaranteed of quality medical care where the need arises.
“The GFA is also looking to build the capacity of medical personnel at all clubs. This shall be achieved through retraining and certification of all practitioners while also enhancing the credentials of prospective practitioners.”
The Special World Cup Benefit Fund will enable key stakeholders benefit from World Cup participation for development projects.
For this purpose, 30 per cent of net revenue accruing to the GFA from World Cup participation of the Black Stars shall be channeled to key stakeholders in the following ratio: 60 per cent to Premier, Division One League (DOL) and Women’s Premier League (WPL) players and 10 per cent to Juvenile Football: 10 per cent to RFAs, 10 per cent to PFAG, five per cent to the Ghana League Clubs Association GHALCA and five per cent to the Coaches Association.
The funds will help address pertinent issues and challenging areas of operation of stakeholders in the industry, giving an attestation to the FA’s mission of igniting passion and creating wealth for all in football.
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.
