By Kwame Larweh
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) took a significant step toward revitalizing grassroots football by presenting brand new Nissan pickup trucks to its Regional Football Associations (RFAs) during a ceremony in Accra yesterday.
The initiative, funded by the FIFA Forward Grant, aims to enhance the mobility and efficiency of RFAs, empowering them to focus on talent development and strengthen the foundation of Ghanaian football.
In his address, GFA President Kurt Okraku emphasized that the vehicles symbolize the association’s commitment to fixing the fundamentals of the sport.
“These pickups are more than just vehicles,they represent our dedication to creating a brighter future for Ghanaian football by equipping our regional associations with the tools they need to succeed.”
The ceremony, attended by distinguished guests, RFA chairpersons, media partners, and GFA Executive Council members, highlighted the GFA’s ongoing efforts to nurture talent and build a robust football ecosystem.
Grassroots initiatives
He outlined a series of grassroots initiatives that have already shown promising results, such as reviving colts’ football across all regions with free registration for 90 players per club and digital playing licenses.
“Introducing the KGL-sponsored Inter-Regional Under-17 boys’ competition and regional Under-15 girls’ leagues in Northern, Brong Ahafo, and Greater Accra regions, can also not be ignored while providing free license D training for 300 colts’ coaches annually and covering referees’ fees for colts clubs was also established,” he stated.
He added that establishing age-specific national teams such Under-15 and Under-16 for boys and girls, with players competing internationally broadcasting juvenile competitions on television and enrolling exceptional talents in GFA elite football academies was also witnessed under his administration.
Other highlights
Mr Okraku highlighted the tangible impact of these programs saying eight players from regional second-division leagues featured in Ghana’s U20 team at the recent WAFU U-20 Qualifiers, while four colt’s league players represented the nation at the WAFU U-17 Championships.
“Additionally, eight regional league players competed against the Swiss and German U20 national teams in international friendlies, showcasing Ghana’s emerging talent against top-tier opposition,” he stated.
FIFA Forward Program
The FIFA Forward program has been instrumental in supporting these initiatives. Beyond the acquisition of the pickup trucks, the GFA has used the grant to fund projects such as installing artificial turf in Bolgatanga, renovating the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence, providing 7,056 footballs for regional leagues, and improving IT infrastructure and internet connectivity.
Mr Kurt Okraku called on all stakeholders to join the GFA in fostering an inclusive and supportive football ecosystem.
“Let us empower our young players, coaches, and administrators to reach their full potential,” he urged.
He also expressed gratitude to the RFAs for their dedication, noting that the vehicles are a token of appreciation for their tireless efforts.
The presentation of the pickups marks another milestone in the GFA’s mission to restore the love for Ghanaian football and build a future grounded in excellence and opportunity.
Good Use
Alhaji Abu Hassan Rhyzo, then Northern Regional RFA Chairman stated that the vehicles will be put into good use. “These vehicles will help us become very mobile and help us nurture talents for the national cause,” he stated.
Proper Usuage
The Director General of the Road Safety Authority, Abraham Amaliba charged duty bearers to ensure the vehicles are put into its rightful usuage and not other duties which it is not specified for.
“Don’t go and cart farm produce and blocks with these pickups, use them for their rightful purpose to help us grow football talents for the country,” he cautioned.
