President of the Football Association, Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, has paid a working visit to the Upper East Regional Minister, Hon. Akamugri Donatus Atanga, as part of his ongoing stakeholder engagement tour of the region.

The meeting, held during the President’s stay in the Upper East Region, focused on strengthening collaboration between the Football Association and government to accelerate football development and youth empowerment across the region.

President Simeon-Okraku expressed his sincere gratitude to the Regional Minister and his team for the warm reception and outlined the purpose of his visit, highlighting the GFA’s commitment to inclusive development and direct engagement with stakeholders at the regional level.

He detailed a number of interventions undertaken since assuming office in 2019, noting their positive impact on football development in the Upper East Region. Chief among these is the construction of a modern technical football facility at Winkongo, near Bolgatanga in the Talensi District, with the first phase completed in 2023 with support from world football governing body, FIFA.

According to the President, the Winkongo Technical Centre is designed to serve not only the immediate community but also surrounding areas, providing a hub for talent identification, player development, coaching education and grassroots football growth across the region.

President Simeon-Okraku stressed the need for closer collaboration between the Football Association and government to fast-track infrastructure development and expand opportunities for young people, using football as a catalyst for social development.

He also used the occasion to solicit support in various forms as Ghana prepares for a busy international calendar, highlighting the Black Stars’ qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, the Black Queens’ qualification for another Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, and the return of the Black Starlets and Black Maidens to international competitions.

On his part, Hon. Akamugri Donatus Atanga expressed his delight at the President’s visit and reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with the GFA to improve football development in the region.

He pledged to canvass support from central government and other partners to promote sustainable growth of the game in the Upper East Region.

The visit underscores President Simeon-Okraku’s people-centered leadership approach and forms part of a broader regional tour aimed at strengthening partnerships, addressing challenges at the grassroots and driving sustainable football development across Ghana.