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by: [Ben Mawuli Botoh]
The President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, has officially unveiled the maiden edition of the FIFA-backed U15 Girls Regional Colts Leagues, hailing the initiative as a “defining milestone” that will fundamentally alter the landscape of women’s football development in Ghana.
Speaking at the grand launch ceremony on Friday, January 23, 2026, President Simeon-Okraku articulated a bold vision for the future, stressing that this new league is far more than a routine addition to the annual football calendar. Instead, he framed it as the cornerstone of a deliberate, long-term strategy designed to strengthen the women’s game from the grassroots level all the way to the elite stage.
Reflecting on his administration’s tenure since assuming office in 2019, the GFA President emphasized that the launch represents the fruition of years of planning and a shift in administrative philosophy. He noted that the Association made a conscious choice early on to move “beyond rhetoric” and instead focus on investing strategically, structurally, and sustainably.
“From grassroots initiatives to elite competitions, from capacity building for coaches and administrators to improved league organisation, we have worked tirelessly to build a solid foundation that will stand the test of time,” Simeon-Okraku stated. He explained that the U15 Girls Regional Colts Leagues are the natural progression of this vision, ensuring that the recent successes in Ghanaian women’s football are not fleeting moments but part of a sustainable legacy.
Central to this new initiative is the support of the world governing body, FIFA. President Simeon-Okraku expressed profound appreciation for FIFA’s sustained backing through the Women’s Football Development Programme. He highlighted that meaningful progress in the modern game cannot be achieved in isolation but is driven by purposeful partnerships and strategic investment.
“This initiative is a testament to what is possible when vision, partnership, and purposeful investment come together in service of development,” he remarked. By leveraging this global support, the GFA aims to create a uniform standard of excellence across the country.
For the first time in the country’s history, young female footballers under the age of 15 will have access to a clear, accessible, and nationally coordinated pathway into elite football. The league will operate across all ten football regions of Ghana, providing a structured and competitive platform that has previously been lacking for this age group.
The GFA President noted that this structure is critical for early talent identification and consistent player development. By decentralizing the discovery process, the Association ensures that talent from every corner of the nation—not just the major urban centers—has the opportunity to be seen, nurtured, and refined.
Drawing a direct line between grassroots investment and national team success, President Simeon-Okraku pointed to the recent resurgence of the Black Queens, Ghana’s senior women’s national team, as proof that the current strategy is working. He celebrated the fact that the Queens have risen to “reclaim their place among Africa’s elite.”
However, he cautioned that sustaining this high level of performance requires a constant influx of well-trained talent. “The U15 Girls Regional Colts Leagues represent the foundation upon which the next generation of the Black Maidens, Black Princesses, and ultimately the Black Queens will be built,” he said. “This is where dreams will be nurtured, talent refined, and futures shaped.”
Beyond the technical skills and tactical understanding, President Simeon-Okraku placed significant emphasis on the broader social impact of the league. He described the initiative as a vehicle for character formation and empowerment for the girl child.
“This league is about more than producing footballers. It is about shaping character… empowering young girls to believe in their potential — not only as footballers, but as leaders, professionals, and role models in society,” he stressed. The league aims to instill core values of discipline, teamwork, and excellence that will serve the players well beyond their time on the pitch.
In an emotional message directed at the young players who will participate in the inaugural season, the President urged them to show commitment, discipline, and self-belief. He offered a firm assurance that the GFA is resolved to support them throughout their careers, stating, “The Ghana Football Association is committed to walking this journey with you every step of the way.”
Concluding his address, President Simeon-Okraku reaffirmed the GFA’s forward-looking stance. “This launch reaffirms our belief that the future of Ghana football is inclusive, progressive, and female. We are building not just for today, but for generations yet unborn,” he declared, before officially launching the league.
The introduction of the U15 Girls Regional Colts Leagues is expected to be a game-changer, ensuring a sustainable pipeline of talent and cementing Ghana’s status as a powerhouse in African women’s football for years to come.
