The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has officially launched the 2026/27 Colts Football season, marking the sixth consecutive year since the grassroots system was revived and restructured in 2020.
The launch reaffirms the Association’s commitment to a development pathway that begins at the community level and, in its vision, ultimately feeds Ghana’s national teams and the professional game.
Speaking at the launch, GFA President and CAF 2nd Vice-President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku framed the anniversary as a milestone in a long-term rebuilding project rather than a routine seasonal opener.
As the GFA launches the 2026 Colts Football season, we mark the sixth consecutive season since the Colts system was resuscitated and restructured in 2020.” Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, President, GFA
A Pathway From Community to Country
Simeon-Okraku described the 2020 decision to overhaul Colts football as an attempt to reconnect grassroots participation with elite development, arguing that a structured pipeline is essential if Ghana is to consistently produce players for its senior national teams and top-flight clubs.
When the GFA took the decision in 2020 to revive and restructure Colts football, we were rebuilding a pathway from the community to the regional level. From the regional level to elite development. And ultimately, from grassroots football to our national teams and the professional game.” Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, President, GFA
Investment in Match Officials
Alongside the season launch, the GFA president highlighted continued investment in the Catch Them Young Refereeing Programme, an initiative aimed at developing young match officials alongside the playing pool. He said the Association was committing significant resources to the educational support and logistical needs of participants in the programme.
Catch Them Young Refereeing Programme – Key Figures
GHC 1.5 million committed towards educational support for programme participants
GHC 300,000 annual investment as part of that educational support commitment
GHC 270,000 invested annually in uniforms and logistics for the programme
Through the hugely successful Catch Them Young Refereeing Programme, the GFA is committing GHC 1.5 million towards their educational support, including an annual investment of GHS 300,000. We are also investing GHS 270,000 annually in uniforms and logistics for the programme.” Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, President, GFA
With the 2026/27 season now officially underway, the GFA’s messaging around the launch carried under the tag #ThisIsTheLove positions Colts football as the foundation tier of a football pyramid the Association intends to keep strengthening at every level, from community pitches to the national teams that represent Ghana on the continental and global stage.