Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku has announced a wide-ranging package of reforms, infrastructure projects, and policy measures designed to modernise Ghana football, strengthen grassroots development, and enhance governance. The announcement came during the Association’s 31st Ordinary Congress at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram.
Speaking under the theme “Winning the 12th Man, Youth Empowerment & Consolidating Our Gains,” Okraku pledged to build on recent successes while addressing persistent challenges in administration, infrastructure, and player development.
Key reforms and initiatives include:
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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.
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Infrastructure Upgrades: Continued improvements at the Prampram Technical Centre, including a multi-purpose court, modern gym, natural grass pitches, and a 40-bed accommodation facility nearing completion.
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Club Incentives: Expansion of the Bus Acquisition Strategy, with 13 buses already presented to league champions and eight pickup trucks to regional FAs, with more planned.
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Referees’ Welfare: Comprehensive insurance coverage, increased match fees, provision of uniforms and boots, and subsidised travel in partnership with STC.
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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.
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Support for Women’s Football: Sustained investment following the Black Queens’ bronze medal at the Women’s AFCON and the U-15 girls’ double gold at the CAF Schools Championships.
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Policy Advocacy: Calls for regulated alcoholic beverage sponsorship, betting tax redistribution to support football development, VAT reductions for clubs, and tax exemptions on football equipment.
Okraku also commended Ghanaian clubs and national youth teams for their achievements in continental competitions, stressing 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. Congress also approved the creation of a second vice-presidential role—one of which must be held by a woman.
According to Okraku, these measures are part of a long-term vision to build a resilient football ecosystem capable of consistently producing top talent and competing at the highest levels.
