The 30th Ordinary GFA Congress was held on August 27, 2024, at the Ghanaman Soccer Center of Excellence in Prampram. This significant event brought together delegates from various regions, clubs, and stakeholders in Ghanaian football to discuss the future of the sport.
The following are key highlights of the congress.
Progress Report: The GFA President, Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, presented a comprehensive report on the progress made in various aspects of Ghanaian football over the past year. He spoke about policies that are being implemented and areas of Ghana Football that need intervention and improvement.
Sponsorships and endorsements: The Ghana Football Association President stated that the current regime doesn’t permit alcoholic beverages to sponsor football products. He however added that a framework has been recommended to enable alcoholic beverages and products to sponsor Ghana Football.
On the issue of betting companies taking odds of games of Ghana’s domestic leagues, the GFA President stated that no betting company has been given the license to place odds on domestic games. The GFA President reiterated that companies should contact the level department of the FA negotiations if they want to place odds on games.
Youth Development: The GFA emphasized its commitment to youth development and discussed plans for creating more opportunities for young players. In this light, beginning in the 2025/2026 Football season, GPL clubs must have four U-19 players and six U-19 players for the DOL and eight U-19 players for Division 2.
Financial Matters: The GFA presented and discussed strategies for increasing revenue and ensuring financial sustainability.The FA President urged the government to provide seed funding for the GFA for an initial 5-years so as to aid the implementation of women and men’s football strategies.
The GFA President affirmed that a contribution of three thousand Ghana Cedis will be made this year for the payment of Referees at the RFA level.
GFA President Kurt Okraku further stated that tax levies that football clubs are charged are being appealed to be reduced from 17.5% to 3% just like other industries and businesses.
Implementation Of Video Assistant Referee: According to the FA President the association is taking steps to introduce the VAR into the Ghana Premier League. He affirmed that meetings are ongoing with FIFA so as to improve refereeing in the Ghana Premier League.
The 30th Ordinary GFA Congress was a significant milestone in the development of Ghanaian football as the discussions and decisions made at this event will shape the future of the sport in the country.
