GFA 32nd Congress: President Mahama Expands Stadium Projects as League Prize Money Hits GHS 3m

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) convened its 32nd Ordinary Congress on August 20, 2026, at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram, signaling a transformative shift for the 2026/27 football season. GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku announced a significant financial boost for the domestic game, increasing the Ghana Premier League (GPL) prize money to GHS 3 million, up from GHS 2 million. In a major move to stabilize club finances, Okraku revealed that each of the 18 top-flight clubs will receive an upfront investment of GHS 1 million before the season commences. The upcoming campaign is scheduled to kick off between September 4 and 7, 2026, and will feature league debutants Debibi United, FC AshantiGold 04, and Port City FC.

Representing the government, Minister of Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams delivered a series of ambitious infrastructure and policy updates. He announced that President John Mahama has expanded the government’s mini-stadium project from six to ten facilities, underscoring the administration's commitment to grassroots sports development. However, Adams also issued a stern warning to the GFA leadership against over-relying on foreign-trained talent. He emphasized that a weak domestic ecosystem cannot be masked by drafting foreign-based players into national teams, insisting that a vibrant local league is the only sustainable way to develop elite players, coaches, and referees for the future.

Addressing the commercial challenges facing the domestic game, Minister Adams offered a candid assessment of the GPL's current standing in the global entertainment market. He noted that the league is no longer just competing with global giants like the English Premier League, but also with modern distractions including social media, streaming services, and gaming. Adams criticized the current lack of visibility and marketing for the league, questioning the absence of identifiable star figures to draw fans to the stadiums. He urged stakeholders to be more intentional in building the profiles of local players and using diverse media platforms to restore the league's appeal.

The Congress also served as a stage to celebrate individual excellence, with Accra Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare being honored as the Best Player of the 2025/26 season. Asare, who recorded 12 clean sheets and notably represented the Black Stars at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, was rewarded with a brand-new vehicle worth $38,000 provided by JAC Motors. This gesture, according to President Okraku, is part of a broader strategy to motivate domestic players to achieve higher standards. As the GFA concludes its review of governance and financial audits, the focus now shifts to implementing these reforms to ensure the 2026/27 season marks a resurgence in Ghanaian football.