GFA Congress: Kurt Okraku reveals 10 key initiatives

At the 29th GFA Congress, Kurt Okraku, the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), took the opportunity to deliver a series of notable announcements. These initiatives, encompassing areas such as grassroots development and administrative support, aim to enhance different facets of football in Ghana. Here are the key announcements made by Okraku during the GFA Congress:

Coordinating Office: The GFA is in the process of establishing a coordinating office in Accra, which will be responsible for overseeing the operations of the Regional Football Associations (RFAs). This centralized approach aims to streamline and enhance the efficiency of football administration at the regional level.
Footballs for Regional Competitions: To support regional competitions and promote grassroots football, the GFA will allocate GHS 100,000 for the purchase of footballs. This initiative ensures that young players have access to adequate equipment, enabling them to develop their skills effectively.
Support for Regional FA Chairpersons: Recognizing the vital role of Regional FA chairpersons, the GFA will provide pickups to enhance their mobility and administrative capacities. This support will enable them to carry out their responsibilities more effectively and serve their regions efficiently.
Financial Aid for Officiating: To emphasize fair and competent refereeing in football matches, the GFA will allocate GHS 300,000 to support the payment of officiating fees at the regional level. This financial aid aims to ensure that referees receive proper compensation for their services.
Referee Training: The GFA will invest GHS 200,000 in referee training through the Catch Them Young initiative. This program aims to identify and nurture young talents, raising the standards of officiating in Ghana and ensuring a talented pool of referees for future matches.
Monthly Allowance for Referee Managers: Acknowledging the important role of referee managers in overseeing officiating activities, the GFA will provide a monthly allowance of GHS 1,000 to referee managers at the regional level. This recognition aims to support their efforts in maintaining a high level of officiating standards.
Stipends for RFA Chairpersons and Vice Chairs: In recognition of the contributions made by RFA chairpersons and vice chairs to football administration, the GFA will provide monthly stipends. RFA chairpersons will receive GHS 4,000, while vice chairs will receive GHS 1,500, ensuring their commitment and dedication to the sport are duly recognized.
Youth Team Support: Each Ghana Premier League club will receive GHS 50,000 to establish a youth team. This investment aims to foster the development of young talents within the clubs, providing them with opportunities to showcase their skills and progress in their football careers.
Integration Rewards for Youth Players: Clubs will be rewarded with GHS 25,000 when two of their youth players feature in more than 15 games. This incentivizes the integration of young talents into first-team setups and encourages the clubs to nurture and provide opportunities for emerging players.
Discounted Coaching Certificates: Former Ghanaian players who aspire to become coaches will benefit from a 50% discount on coaching certificates. This initiative aims to facilitate their transition into coaching roles, promoting their professional development and leveraging their experience to contribute to the growth of football in Ghana.

These announcements made by President Kurt Okraku during the GFA Congress highlight the GFA’s commitment to promoting grassroots development, supporting administrative activities, and fostering the growth and integration of young talents within Ghanaian football.