FootyDream

The Ghana Football Association has announced a package to encourage Premier League Clubs to establish youth teams in the coming season.

This was disclosed by President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku during his speech at the 29th ordinary session of congress held at the Great Hall of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), on Monday, July 10, 2023.

The President mentioned that each Ghana Premier League club will receive financial support of GHC 50,000 to establish their own youth teams. In addition, clubs will be eligible for an additional GHC 25,000 if two of their youth team players feature in more than 15 games in the course of the season.

“Each Ghana Premier League club is to be supported with GHC 50,000 for setting up a youth team. Clubs would also get 25,000 when two of their youth players feature in more than 15 games.” President Simeon-Okraku said.

The move aims to identify, scout and nurture and develop young players and provide them with the basic lessons in football.

During the 29th Ordinary Session held in Kumasi by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) on Monday, the suspension of AshantiGold SC was upheld.

With 67 members voting in favor of the continuation of the suspension, and 17 voting against it, the decision means that AshantiGold SC, based in Obuasi, will remain unable to partake in football activities in the country.

The GFA suspended AshantiGold SC immediately under Article 17(1) of the GFA Statutes due to their association with banned officials, namely Kwaku Frimpong and Emmanuel Frimpong, for their involvement in activities that violate GFA and FIFA statutes, including sports betting and alleged match manipulation.

Dr. Kwaku Frimpong, who was implicated in match manipulation, has received a 10-year ban from all football-related activities and a fine of Ghs 100,000. His son, Emmanuel Frimpong, has been banned for eight years and also received a fine.

The decision to uphold the suspension serves as a clear message from the GFA regarding their commitment to maintaining the integrity of Ghanaian football and ensuring that violations of regulations are appropriately addressed.

Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku has emphasized his commitment to improving Ghana football and raising its standards, dispelling any notion of intending to destroy the sport.

Okraku, who also serves as the President of WAFU B, has faced criticism from some Ghanaians due to recent underwhelming performances of national teams.

During the GFA’s 29th Congress in Kumasi, Okraku acknowledged the state of Ghanaian football when he assumed office in 2019, describing it as “badly damaged.”

“I’m not interested in destroying the brand, Ghana football. If I indeed you love Ghana football you should be interested in building the brand and not to be destroyed. When we took over, this brand was badly damaged,” Okraku said.

The Congress, held at the Great Hall of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), provided a platform for discussions on important topics, including upcoming elections and proposals regarding increased nomination fees.

As Okraku prepares to contest this year’s elections for another term, his statement reiterates his dedication to Ghanaian football’s improvement. He previously emerged victorious in the closely contested 2019 presidential elections, and his commitment to the development of the sport remains resolute.

The president of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Kurt Okraku has announced an amount of GHC80,000 as an incentive package for Division One League clubs ahead of the 2023/24 season.

The statement was made during the GFA 29th Ordinary Congress on Monday, July 10, 2023, at the Great Hall of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Sciences and Technology (KNUST).

The announcement come as a refreshing news for the Ghana second-tier clubs who have raised concerns on lack of funds in recent seasons.

“Division One clubs will EACH receive GH¢80,000 next season as incentives” he said.

Okraku also added that with the success of the association’s initiative to spot young talents and develop them into professional referees dubbed the ‘Catch Them Young Referee Policy’, they are willing to invest GHC 200,000 to intensify the program.

It was also indicated that “We have referees managers across all ten regions and they’ve been working without any monthly support.”

The Congress is already underway, with over 120 delegates present, and is anticipated to deliberate on various issues, including a three-term presidency for the president and an increased nomination price for the upcoming GFA election.

Ernest Thompson, a former coach of Ashantigold and Ebusua Dwarfs, confidently asserts that he is the most suitable candidate to lead Hearts of Oak.

The Phobians are currently without a coach after the departure of Serbian coach Slavko Matic and are actively seeking a new trainer for the upcoming 2023/24 season.

During the previous season, the former champions of the Ghana Premier League worked with three different coaches. Samuel Boadu began the season but was replaced by the Serbian coach due to unsatisfactory results.

However, following criticism from Phobian fans, Matic departed from his role, and his assistant David Ocloo took charge until the end of the campaign. Recently, Ocloo, who guided the team to a 12th place finish, has also stepped down from his position.

Thompson has applied for the vacant coaching job at Hearts of Oak and firmly believes that he is the ideal person to lead the team. “I have applied for the Hearts of Oak coaching job, and I firmly believe that I am the best candidate to serve the club,” he stated.

At 56 years old, Thompson boasts extensive experience coaching in the domestic league, having managed several clubs in the country.