Under the terms of the agreement, FIFA will assume full responsibility for the entire development process, overseeing every stage from initial design and tendering through to construction and final handover. This comprehensive approach is designed to ensure that the new facilities meet the highest global standards of technical excellence and long-term sustainability. The project will add two artificial turf surfaces to the centre’s existing portfolio; one pitch will be equipped with a high-level floodlighting system to facilitate night-time training and matches, while the second will be a natural daylight facility. Upon completion, the Ghanaman Centre will boast four Astro turf pitches, complemented by two new natural grass pitches that are currently nearing completion.
This infrastructure investment aligns with a broader narrative in Ghanaian football characterized by administrative modernization, even as the nation prepares for a demanding competitive calendar. President Simeon-Okraku, who has led the GFA for six years, views these developments as essential for nurturing the next generation of players. The floodlit pitch, in particular, is expected to maximize operational flexibility, allowing for extended usage hours and creating a more robust environment for youth development.
The push for modernization is part of a wider strategic engagement that has defined Okraku’s tenure. In a recent tour of the Upper West Region, the GFA President paid homage to the Wa-Naa and Overlord of the Waala Traditional Council, His Royal Majesty Naa Fuseini Seidu Pelpuo VI. The visit was a key component of Okraku’s effort to secure traditional support for the national teams as they approach a year described as one of the busiest in Ghana’s football history.
“2026 will be a very busy year for our national teams,” Okraku stated during the visit. He highlighted that the Black Stars will compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, while the Black Queens will feature at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Furthermore, the Black Starlets, Black Maidens, and Black Princesses are set to return to various international and continental competitions. Okraku formally appealed to the Wa-Naa and the Waala Traditional Council to offer prayers and support similar to those previously extended to his predecessor, former GFA President Kwasi Nyantakyi, emphasizing the vital role of traditional authorities in fostering unity and peace within the football ecosystem.
Simultaneously, the GFA is positioning itself for the next decade of global football development. President Okraku recently attended a consultative meeting in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, focused on shaping the successor to the current FIFA Forward 3.0 programme. The gathering, which brought together presidents of member associations from WAFU Zone A and Zone B, served as a strategic platform to review progress and chart the course for FIFA Forward 4.0, scheduled to run from 2027 to 2030.
Discussions centered on enhancing the impact of FIFA’s funding model to ensure efficient utilization of resources for sustainable growth in administration, governance, and infrastructure. The FIFA Forward Programme, introduced under FIFA President Gianni Infantino, remains a cornerstone of global development, and the GFA’s active participation signals its intent to leverage these resources for long-term institutional strengthening.
Despite the momentum in administrative and infrastructural areas, the GFA’s tenure has been viewed by some as a study in contradiction, combining these modernization efforts with a period of competitive scrutiny. However, the approval of the new pitches in Prampram and the strategic outreach to both international governing bodies and local traditional leaders underscore a clear objective: to build a stronger, more competitive football ecosystem that can support Ghana’s high-profile campaign at the 2026 World Cup and beyond.
As the construction phase begins at the Ghanaman Centre, the focus now shifts to ensuring these facilities are delivered on time and to standard, providing the physical foundation for the technical excellence required in the upcoming global tournament.
