FIFA President Gianni Infantino lauded the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for effectively implementing the FIFA Forward programme during a meeting with GFA President Kurt Okraku in Paris.
FIFA Forward is designed to provide tailored support for football development across member associations and confederations, with Ghana being recognized as a key beneficiary of the initiative.
Between 2016 and 2022, FIFA allocated $2.79 billion towards enhancing football infrastructure and programs worldwide.
Infantino expressed his satisfaction with the GFA’s achievements under the programme, notably highlighting the recent upgrades at the Ghana Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram.
These enhancements include new floodlights activated in April 2024, ongoing construction of a 40-bed accommodation facility for national teams and an additional artificial playing surface.
Furthermore, Ghana has integrated into the FIFA Talent Development Scheme (TDS), underscoring its commitment to fostering football talent nationwide.
A recent TDS workshop hosted by Ghana in June 2024 brought together representatives from 10 African member associations to strategize on talent development.
President Okraku shared insights with Infantino on Ghana’s progress with the TDS and initiatives to boost female participation in football. Infantino acknowledged Ghana’s strong football culture and expressed optimism about its future involvement in FIFA tournaments.
Okraku, who has led the GFA since 2019, commended Infantino’s steadfast support for African football development. “FIFA, under President Infantino’s leadership, has been pivotal in advancing football in Africa,” Okraku remarked.
He emphasized the alignment of FIFA’s vision with Ghana’s football goals, underscoring collaborative efforts for continuous improvement.
Reflecting on Ghana’s football resurgence, Okraku highlighted revitalized youth competitions and national teams alongside the successful resumption of domestic leagues.
Looking ahead, he stressed the importance of capitalizing on recent achievements to sustain upward momentum in Ghanaian football.
As collaboration between FIFA and the GFA continues to strengthen, both entities remain committed to advancing football development in Ghana and promoting the sport’s growth across the African continent.
