The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced a series of infrastructure, financial and development initiatives aimed at strengthening grassroots football, as stakeholders in the Northern Region called for greater collaboration to improve the game’s sustainability.
The announcements were made at the Northern Regional Football Association’s (NRFA) Ordinary Congress held at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium in Tamale on Friday, October 23, 2026, under the theme, “Soliciting Stakeholders’ Support to Energize Grassroots Football.”
Representing GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, Regional Football Association Coordinator Mr Daasibre Adu Kwabena outlined plans for the President’s Pitch Construction Strategy, regional office development and continued logistical support for Regional Football Associations.
The GFA further reaffirmed its financial commitment to grassroots development, including GH¢800,000 for the Elite U-15 Girls Regional Colts League for the second consecutive year and GH¢300,000 towards refereeing fees at the regional level for the third successive year.
An annual allocation of US$100,000 for footballs for Colts clubs will also continue, while Incentives for regional champions have also been enhanced, with winners of the U-13, U-15 and U-17 Regional Colts competitions, as well as the Women’s Division One League regional championship, set to receive a set of jerseys, 10 footballs and GH¢10,000 in prize money.
Meanwhile, NRFA Chairman Alhaji Muhammadu Abu Hasan Ryhzo urged stakeholders to support the development of football in Northern Ghana, emphasising the collective responsibility of players, coaches, referees, the media, medical personnel, security agencies, traditional authorities, politicians and supporters.
He called for stronger cooperation among stakeholders to build a sustainable football environment and improve the development of the game at the grassroots level.
The NRFA also announced that 30 clubs would benefit from a fully funded Licence D coaching course during the new season, following a similar initiative last season, as part of efforts to improve coaching standards across the region.
The Congress also confirmed a reduction in Division Two clubs from 52 to 48 for the 2026/27 season, with the teams divided into seven zones, in which group winner and runners Up in each zone will qualify directly to the Middle League, and the winners of the expected two zones in the middle League will progress to the Finals to decide the ultimate winner.
Eight clubs will be relegated to Division Three at the end of the season, while eight clubs will gain promotion to Division Two. The Association is also considering a further reduction to 32 clubs in subsequent seasons. The league champions will earn promotion to the UMB Division One League. Although the exact kick-off date was not confirmed at Congress, the new campaign is expected to begin around the second week of November.
Despite the new initiatives, inadequate playing facilities, limited sponsorship and logistical challenges remain major concerns for football development in the region.
photos : Hassan Ismail