GFA Pledges GH¢16m Support Package for Division One League and Women's Football

The Ghana Football Association has unveiled a major financial and logistical support initiative aimed at strengthening the country's domestic football competitions. At the 32nd Ordinary Congress held at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram on Wednesday, GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku announced the comprehensive package designed to ease operational pressures on clubs competing in the Division One League and Women's Premier League.

Division One League Gets GH¢16.2m Boost

The Division One League, Ghana's second-tier professional football structure, will be the primary beneficiary of the GFA's intervention. Each of the 48 clubs participating in the league will receive GH¢120,000 in direct financial support, while the association will cover all referee and Match Commissioners' fees—a significant operational cost that clubs typically bear. Additionally, the GFA will supply 30 footballs to each participating club.

According to President Simeon-Okraku, the total investment in the Division One League support package amounts to approximately GH¢16,244,151.25. The initiative recognises the financial constraints faced by lower-tier clubs and aims to create a more stable environment for competitive football in Ghana's second division.

Women's Premier League to Receive Equipment and Cash Grants

The Women's Premier League will similarly benefit from targeted GFA support. Each of the 20 clubs in the WPL will receive GH¢100,000 alongside 30 pairs of football boots—addressing both financial and equipment needs. The GFA will continue to absorb referee and Match Commissioner fees for women's matches, removing a substantial burden from club budgets.

Beyond direct GFA support, the women's league has secured additional partnerships. Melcom and Goil have committed to providing fuel support to WPL clubs, reducing transportation costs during the competitive season.

Why It Matters for Ghana

The GFA's investment signals an important shift in how domestic football is resourced in Ghana. Club finances have long been a challenge at both the second-tier and women's levels, with many organisations struggling to maintain competitive squads whilst meeting basic operational requirements. By absorbing referee fees and providing direct grants, the GFA is addressing systemic funding gaps that have historically constrained the development of these competitions.

For the Division One League specifically, the support matters because it directly impacts player welfare, training quality, and match organisation standards. A stronger second division improves the overall professional ecosystem and provides a clearer pathway for young players and clubs to develop. For women's football, the intervention is particularly significant—women's sports in Ghana have historically received less institutional support, making GFA backing crucial for the WPL's sustainability and growth.

President Simeon-Okraku also highlighted that clubs themselves are investing in venue improvements, including upgraded dressing rooms, enhanced spectator facilities, better security infrastructure, and improved sanitation. When combined with the GFA's financial support, these club-level investments are creating a more professional and attractive environment for players, officials, supporters and commercial partners—elements essential for the long-term credibility and commercial viability of Ghana's domestic game.