In a strategic move to strengthen the development of football at the grassroots level, the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has held high-level discussions with the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku.
The meeting, held in Accra on October 14, centered on enhancing football programs in basic schools, senior high schools, and colleges, while exploring avenues for corporate partnerships and infrastructure improvements.
“We are elated to host the President of the GFA and his team, especially at a time when Ghana’s football ambitions are reigniting national pride,” said Minister Haruna Iddrisu.
“What we want now is a stronger collaborative relationship between the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the GFA, supported by corporate donors, to revive schools and colleges football so that we can identify and groom young talents.”
The Minister also commended the recent successes and renewed energy around Ghana’s football, expressing optimism about the country’s prospects for the FIFA World Cup in 2026.
“I take this opportunity to commend the GFA President for the leadership he is providing,” Iddrisu added. “We urge him on, because with discipline, the impossible can become possible. We believe Ghana will be there — in the US, Mexico, and Canada — as gallant contenders when the World Cup kicks off.”
GFA Commits to Inclusive Football Governance
GFA President Kurt Okraku used the occasion to reaffirm the Association’s commitment to inclusivity and long-term development, particularly for women in football and the national teams.
“Since I took office in 2019, we’ve made significant efforts to create more opportunities — especially for women,” Okraku noted. “At the last GFA Congress, we created a new political opening for a female Vice President going into the next elections. We’ve also expanded women’s roles within our governance structure.”
Touching on Ghana’s senior women’s team, the Black Queens, Okraku highlighted the strides made by female footballers:
“Ninety percent of the Black Queens currently play abroad,” he said. “This is not just a sports milestone — it’s a livelihood opportunity, allowing them to achieve their dreams and represent Ghana globally. We are excited to collaborate with the Ministry of Education to support the President’s agenda of resetting all facets of Ghanaian public life — including football.”
A Path Forward for Youth and School Football
Both leaders emphasized the need for sustainable structures and funding to revive inter-school football competitions and build a pipeline of future stars.
“We must look beyond the elite teams and focus on the grassroots,” said Iddrisu. “From the classroom to the pitch, we can build champions if we invest wisely — not just in infrastructure, but in mentorship and opportunity.”
The Ministry of Education and the GFA are expected to unveil a joint roadmap in the coming months that will include school league revivals, training programs, and new partnership frameworks with the private sector.
The initiative is part of a broader national strategy to integrate sports, education, and youth empowerment, with football serving as a powerful tool for transformation.
By Daniel Opoku
