Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, has reaffirmed the association’s commitment to prioritizing youth football as a key component of its developmental strategy. Speaking at the 2024 Congress at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence on August 27, Okraku stressed the importance of investing in young talent for the future of Ghanaian football.

Okraku urged stakeholders to recognize the critical need for increased investment in youth development, which he believes is essential for enhancing the competitiveness and appeal of the country’s football leagues.

The GFA has already introduced several initiatives to revitalize grassroots football, including the “Catch Them Young” Refereeing policy, which aims to train 1,600 young referees, and the Elite National Girls U15 Challenge Cup, in line with FIFA’s Talent Development Scheme.

Furthermore, the GFA plans to collaborate with Regional Football Associations to launch Inter-District U-15 and U-17 festivals for boys and girls, demonstrating a strong commitment to fostering young talent and building a solid foundation for the future of Ghanaian football.