By Simon Asare
Accra, Sept. 17, GNA – Mr Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) says the revival and restructuring of colts football remains central to Ghana’s long-term football development agenda.
Speaking at the launch of the 2026/27 Colts Football Season at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram, Mr Simeon-Okraku said the revival of colts football would create sustainable pathway for young talents from grassroots football to the national teams.
“The objective is not simply to organise competitions, but to ensure that talented young players across Ghana have access to a functioning development pathway that can take them from their communities to regional football, elite development, professional football and ultimately the national teams,” he said.
According to the GFA President, the importance of Colts football goes beyond competitions, facilities and investments, as it has historically served as the foundation upon which many of Ghana’s greatest footballers built their careers.
“Before we talk about numbers, competitions, facilities and investments, let us remember the reason Colts football matters,” he stated.
Mr Simeon-Okraku noted that Ghana’s football history is filled with exceptional players who were first discovered and nurtured by Colts clubs on community pitches before rising to national and international prominence.
He cited the example of Abedi Pele, one of Ghana’s greatest football icons and a three-time African Footballer of the Year, who emerged from Great Falcons.
The GFA President also highlighted former Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan, whose football journey started with Great Cedabs before he became Ghana’s all-time leading scorer, as well as former Black Stars skipper Stephen Appiah, who developed through Mighty Victory.
He further recognised Fantomas FC for nurturing several outstanding talents, including Sammy Kuffour, Emmanuel Duah, Jerry Akaminko, Ransford Osei and Mark Edusei.
Other notable Colts clubs that contributed significantly to Ghana football include Anokye Stars, which produced legendary striker Anthony Yeboah, and Karen Stars, where Nii Odartey Lamptey began his football career.
Ken Harrison Babes also played a key role in the development of Sam Johnson, Christian Sabah, Robert Sabah and Adolph Armah, while Kotobabi Powerlines nurtured former Ghana international Yaw Preko.
Mr Simeon-Okraku acknowledged the contributions of Cowlane Babies, which helped shape the careers of Laryea Kingston, Aziz Ansah, Godwin Attram and Dan Quaye, as well as BT International and Owareman FC, the clubs that produced Derrick Boateng and Sulley Muntari respectively.
Among the strongest examples of the impact of Colts football, he said, is former Black Stars midfielder Michael Essien, who began his football journey with Paa Badu/Liberty Babes before becoming one of Ghana’s most successful players in European football.
He also pointed to the achievements of players developed by Real Republicans, including Shilla Illiasu and Mohammed Gargo, and Tema Young Schweppes, which nurtured former Black Stars defender John Boye.
Mr Simeon-Okraku said these success stories demonstrate the enduring value of Colts football and underscore the need to continue investing in the grassroots game to secure the future of Ghana football.
He stressed that by strengthening the colts system, Ghana would be better positioned to identify, nurture and transition talented young players through the football pyramid and sustain the country’s rich tradition of producing world-class footballers.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Simon Asare
Email: [email protected]