President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, has paid a courtesy call on the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs to express his appreciation for their unwavering support for football development in the region and to seek their prayers and continued backing ahead of a demanding international year for Ghana football.

The GFA President first met the President of the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs, Chiana Pio, Pe Thomas More Ditundini Adiali Ayagtam III—who is also the Paramount Chief of the Chiana Traditional Area in the Kassena-Nankana West District, before proceeding to address members of the House during their sitting.

In his address, President Simeon-Okraku conveyed his profound gratitude to the revered chiefs for their immense contributions to the growth of football in the region, noting that the support of traditional authorities has been instrumental in advancing grassroots development and nurturing young talent.

While commending the House collectively, the President reserved special praise for the Overlord of the Talensi Traditional Area, Tongraan Kugbilsong Nalebegtang, for his visionary leadership and generosity in donating land at Winkogo for the construction of the Kurt E.S. Okraku Technical Centre. He described the gesture as a landmark contribution that has positioned the Upper East Region as a key hub for football development and talent identification.

President Simeon-Okraku used the occasion to appeal for prayers and support as Ghana prepares for a busy international calendar, highlighting the Black Stars’ participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, the Black Queens’ forthcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign, and the return of the Black Starlets and Black Maidens to international competitions.

Responding on behalf of the House, the President of the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs, Chiana Pio, Pe Thomas More Ditundini Adiali Ayagtam III, expressed his appreciation to President Simeon-Okraku for demonstrating genuine commitment to the region by placing it at the heart of football infrastructure development.

He assured the GFA President of the continued support of traditional rulers in collaborating with the Football Association to expand infrastructure and strengthen the region’s status as a talent hub.

In a symbolic gesture of appreciation, the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs presented a traditional smock to President Simeon-Okraku in recognition of his leadership and contributions to football development in the region.

The engagement further underscores the GFA President’s people-centered leadership approach and his commitment to deepening partnerships with traditional authorities as part of a broader strategy to build inclusive, sustainable football development across Ghana.