GFA has invested heavily in Colts football - GFA president Kurt Okraku

Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kurt Okraku has defended the association's record on juvenile football, insisting it has invested significantly in the Colts system over the past six years despite renewed calls to revive the grassroots game.

His remarks came after President John Dramani Mahama urged the GFA to restore the defunct Colts League as part of efforts to strengthen football development in the country.

Speaking at the launch of the 2026/27 Colts football season at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram on Tuesday, Okraku said the association had not only revived Colts football but had expanded youth competitions since taking office.

"Today, Ghana will again be reminded that for six years running, we have not only resurrected Colts Football, we have not only invested and continue to invest in Colts Football, but we have also introduced a lot more Colts-related competitions than ever before," he said.

The GFA president maintained that the association's commitment should be judged by its financial backing rather than promises alone.

"Be prepared to measure our commitment not merely by words but by resources. Over the past few years, the Ghana Football Association has invested and continues to invest in Colts Football," he added.

Okraku revealed that the GFA has waived player registration fees for all Colts clubs and introduced digital player licences covering up to 90 players per club.

Under the initiative, clubs can register 30 players each across the Under-13, Under-15 and Under-17 age categories without paying registration fees.

"We have offered free player registration to all Colts Clubs, and of course, we have issued digital player licences for a maximum of 90 players per Colts Club," he explained.

"For each age category – U13, U15 and U17 – we offer free registration for 30 players."

Tuesday's launch marked the sixth consecutive season that the GFA has officially launched the Colts football campaign, with the association describing the competition as a key pathway for identifying and nurturing young talent into Ghana's organised football system.