Simeon-Okraku opens FIFA amateur football programme in Accra

Ghana Football Association president Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku has opened a two-day FIFA Amateur Football Analysis programme in Accra, focused on the state of amateur football in Ghana and globally. The event is taking place from August 25 to 26, 2026, at the Alisa Hotel.

The programme is being led by FIFA technical experts Ali Mwebe and Serame Ezekiel Letsoaka, who oversees amateur football in Africa. The GFA Technical Directorate is supporting the sessions, which are examining Ghana’s amateur football structures, activities and development opportunities.

Simeon-Okraku, who is also the second vice-president of the Confederation of African Football, welcomed the FIFA officials and participants at the opening. The first day involved the GFA Executive Council, management and staff in discussions on the country’s amateur football environment.

Executive Council members Frederick Acheampong, Kingsley Osei Bonsu and Samuel Aboabire attended, along with General Secretary Prosper Harrison Addo. Deputy General Secretaries Ama Brobey-Williams, Alex Asante and Francis Adu also took part, as did Technical Director Professor Joseph Kwame Mintah and Head of Coach Education Dr Prosper Nartey Ogum.

The second day will expand the discussions to institutions and practitioners involved in football development. Participants are scheduled to include officials from the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, National Sports Authority, Ministry of Education, Ghana Olympic Committee and Ghana Education Service, as well as representatives of leagues, academies, the Women’s Football Committee, Beach Soccer and Futsal.

Coaches from Ghana’s junior national teams, sporting media representatives and members of the medical and referees committees are also expected. The wider discussions are intended to identify challenges, compare approaches in different football environments and find practical ways to improve Ghana’s systems and strengthen the pathway for young players.