The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Adams, has called for an urgent and strategic revival of Ghana’s local football leagues, emphasizing the need to strengthen colts football and grassroots development to restore the sport’s former glory.
At a crucial meeting held on Monday, March 17, 2025, in Accra, Hon. Adams engaged with the Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and Regional Football Association (RFA) Chairmen. The meeting served as both a formal introduction of the GFA leadership to the new minister and a platform to discuss a roadmap for the transformation of Ghanaian football.
Hon. Adams congratulated GFA President Kurt Okraku on his election to the CAF Executive Committee, recognizing him as the sixth Ghanaian to achieve this feat. He urged Okraku to leverage his new position to push for growth and development in Ghanaian football at all levels.
Highlighting the declining appeal of the local leagues, the minister challenged the GFA to implement bold and innovative measures to reignite passion and competitiveness within domestic football.
“The leadership of the FA must bring the league back to life,” he declared. “We need to create an environment where our local clubs thrive, our stadiums are filled, and young talents are nurtured into global stars. My ministry is fully committed to supporting this transformation.”
In response, GFA President Kurt Okraku expressed appreciation for the minister’s backing and assured him of the association’s dedication to restoring the vibrancy of Ghanaian football.
“The GFA remains the most structured and organized federation in Ghana, and we are determined to bring back the glory days of our football,” Okraku stated.
As part of the discussions, Okraku presented a strategic document detailing solutions to the challenges facing the sport. He emphasized that meaningful progress would require a collective effort from all stakeholders, including government, clubs, corporate sponsors, and football enthusiasts.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from both the Ministry and the GFA, including GFA Vice President Mark Addo, General Secretary Prosper Harrison Addo, and Executive Council and RFA members such as Nana Oduro Sarfo, Eugene Noel Nobel, Samuel Aboabire, Patrick Akoto, and Neil Armstrong Mortagbe.
With a renewed commitment from the Ministry and the GFA, there is growing optimism that Ghana’s local football leagues will soon experience a resurgence, paving the way for a brighter future for the sport in the country.
