GFA president Kurt Okraku calls for unity and professionalism as 2026/27 Ghana Premier League season begins

Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku has urged the country's football community to embrace unity, discipline and professionalism as the 2026-27 Ghana Premier League season gets underway today.

In a goodwill message marking the start of the new campaign, Okraku said the season presented an opportunity to raise standards, develop talent and strengthen Ghanaian football across all levels of the game.

The message comes as clubs prepare for the start of the Ghana Premier League, with renewed investment in domestic football including a GHC1m allocation for each top-flight club and an increased championship prize of GHC3m.

Addressing players, coaches, match officials, administrators, supporters, sponsors and media organisations, Okraku described the new season as one that should be driven by collective responsibility.

"A new season brings renewed hope and fresh opportunities to raise our standards, develop talent and strengthen Ghanaian football across all competitions," he said.

He called on players and coaches to give their best throughout the campaign, while urging referees to officiate with fairness and consistency.

The GFA president also encouraged clubs to focus on building stronger and more sustainable institutions, saying long-term development would be key to the growth of football in the country.

Okraku appealed to supporters to channel their passion positively, stressing that football should unite communities rather than divide them.

"Let your passion inspire and unite us, always with respect and responsibility," he said.

His comments follow continued efforts by football authorities and government officials to tackle hooliganism and improve safety at match venues ahead of the new season.

He also thanked media organisations, sponsors and commercial partners for their contribution to promoting and growing the game in Ghana.

The GFA president reaffirmed the association's commitment to creating an environment where football can flourish both domestically and internationally.

He said the governing body wanted the 2026-27 campaign to be remembered for exciting football, healthy competition and collective progress.

"May the beautiful game unite us and strengthen Ghanaian football," Okraku concluded.

In addition to leading the GFA, Okraku also serves as the second vice-president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), as Ghana continues preparations for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign alongside its domestic football programme.