President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to rebuilding Ghana football from the grassroots up following a historic engagement with football stakeholders in Wa, the first of its kind in the Upper West Region.

The meeting formed part of the GFA President’s regional tour and brought together club owners, administrators, match commissioners, technical directors, senior referees and Catch Them Young referees. Addressing the gathering, Simeon-Okraku laid out a clear long-term vision centered on what he described as “fixing the fundamentals” — a deliberate bottom-up strategy aimed at creating a sustainable and inclusive football ecosystem.

He explained that rebuilding Ghana football requires targeted investment at the foundation level to ensure lasting success at the top, stressing that meaningful progress can only be achieved by strengthening grassroots football, officiating, coaching and administration.

Highlighting achievements since 2019, the GFA President pointed to increased and sustained support for Regional Football Associations, referees and youth development programmes, including the Catch Them Young Referees initiative. He noted that investment has been expanded across all competitions, covering the Ghana Premier League, Division One League, Women’s Premier League and Women’s Division One League.

Simeon-Okraku revealed that over the past two seasons, the FA has invested $100,000 annually in footballs for colts clubs, alongside an additional $100,000 each year dedicated to regional football development. He also emphasized ongoing efforts in referee development, coach education and capacity building, including the provision of free coaching courses for grassroots, elite and female coaches.

On domestic competitions, the GFA President highlighted significant improvements in broadcast coverage and financial backing. The Ghana Premier League is currently enjoying what he described as its best television production to date, while Division One League Zones 2 and 3 are airing on free-to-air television, with Zone 1 set to be broadcast for the first time.

In a historic move, each Premier League club received GH¢1 million ahead of the current season, while over GH¢9 million has been committed in prize money, with league champions set to earn GH¢2 million — a first in Ghana football history.

At the Division One level, clubs received GH¢120,000 in direct financial support, with the FA absorbing costs related to referees, match commissioners, venue media officers and cameramen — an intervention valued at more than GH¢52,000 per club.

Simeon-Okraku further announced that around 280 referees across the Ghana Premier League, Women’s Premier League and Division One League are now fully insured by the FA, with new uniforms, training boots and vests set for distribution. From next season, match commissioners will also benefit from similar support.

Beyond competition funding, the GFA President highlighted major infrastructure investments, including the $742,000 FIFA-standard football facility in the Upper East Region — the area’s first standard pitch. The complex features perimeter fencing, floodlights, changing rooms and a standby generator, with plans to add a dormitory to host national teams.

He also pointed to the transformation of the Prampram Technical Centre, now fully owned by the GFA, describing it as a growing national asset capable of hosting major football events and accommodating Congress delegates.

Reaffirming his passion for youth development, Simeon-Okraku underscored the impact of the “Power to the Youth” policy, which guarantees every region participation in at least five national championships annually, including the Upper West Region.

He noted that youth competitions now offer young players national exposure, access to scouts and real career opportunities, while also providing young referees with structured mentorship and practical experience through the Academy of Referees.

In concluding his address, the GFA President stressed the importance of engaging stakeholders at the regional level, describing them as the ultimate beneficiaries of the FA’s initiatives. He reaffirmed that the association’s mission remains to ignite passion and create wealth through football by fixing the fundamentals and building the game from the grassroots to the highest level.

The engagement was attended by Upper West Regional FA Chairman Alhaji Sadugu Yahaya, GFA Regional Football Coordinator Daseebre Adu Asare, Wa Suntaa SC President Arif Daud, GFA Chief of Staff Michael Osekre and Dreams FC President Jiji Alifoe Mohammed.