The Northern Regional Minister, Hon. Ali Adolf John, has urged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to expand opportunities for more young people in the Northern Region within Ghana’s football development framework.
The Minister made the call on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, when the GFA President, Mr. Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, led a delegation accompanied by officials of the Northern Regional Football Association (NRFA) on a courtesy visit to the Northern Regional Coordinating Council (NRCC) in Tamale as part of his working tour of the northern sector.
Welcoming the delegation, Hon. Ali John described the visit as a strong signal of the GFA’s commitment to inclusive football development and acknowledged the Northern Region as one of Ghana’s richest reservoirs of football talent.
“Your visit is timely and highly significant. It sends a clear message that football development is a shared national responsibility and that the Northern Region matters in Ghana’s football future,” the Minister said.
He stressed that football remains a critical tool for youth empowerment, social cohesion and economic opportunity, noting that many young people in the region see the sport as a pathway to discipline, livelihoods and national recognition.
Hon. Ali John urged the GFA to intentionally design programmes that open doors for more Northern youth —not only as players but also as coaches, referees, administrators and sports entrepreneurs.
“As Ghana looks ahead to the 2026 World Cup, our young people should not be spectators from afar. We want clear pathways for talent discovery, training and support so that the Northern Region fully benefits from the national football agenda,” he added.
The Minister assured the GFA of the full backing of the NRCC, pledging collaboration with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to strengthen grassroots football, boost community participation and support infrastructure and talent development initiatives.
Responding, the GFA President thanked the Minister for the warm reception and praised his strong advocacy for youth development through sports. He reaffirmed the GFA’s commitment to decentralising football development and deepening partnerships with regional authorities.
“Sustainable football development cannot be achieved from Accra alone. It requires strong regional structures and close collaboration with local leadership,” Mr. Simeon-Okraku said.
He explained that his tour of the Northern sector was aimed at engaging key stakeholders, assessing challenges on the ground and strengthening the capacity of Regional Football Associations in line with the GFA’s long-term vision.
The meeting ended with a shared resolve between the Northern Regional Minister and the GFA leadership to prioritise youth-focused programmes, deepen collaboration and ensure the Northern Region plays a meaningful role in Ghana’s football journey, especially in the build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Source: www. Kumasimail.com
