The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has highlighted its investment in coaches and young referees as part of efforts to strengthen the foundation of football development in the country.
The focus formed part of the launch of the 2026/27 Colts Football Season at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku said the development of young footballers must go beyond providing them with opportunities to play matches.
He said coaches and match officials must also receive the training and support needed to help build a strong football system.
Over the past two seasons, the GFA has invested GH¢1.8 million in training 600 Colts coaches through its CAF Licence D Coaching Programme.
The three-year programme is targeting a total of 900 coaches, with the final phase scheduled for the 2026/27 season.
Kurt said the programme was not only about helping coaches obtain qualifications.
He said it was also designed to ensure that young players are guided by coaches who understand technical development, discipline, safeguarding and the responsibilities involved in working with children.
The GFA has also invested US$100,000 annually over the past three years to provide footballs for Colts clubs.
Another area receiving attention is refereeing.
Through the Catch Them Young Refereeing Programme, the GFA is identifying young people and introducing them to refereeing at an early age.
The association has committed GH¢1.5 million over the coming years towards educational support and allowances for young referees.
An annual amount of GH¢300,000 will support the programme, while another GH¢270,000 is being invested each year in uniforms and logistics.
The GFA believes the initiative can help create a new generation of referees for Ghanaian football.
Kurt said developing the people who work with young players was essential to the long-term success of grassroots football.
