FIFA delegation visits Ghana FA to review development projects

A delegation comprising El Hadj Wack Diop, the Regional Manager for the FIFA Development Office for West & Central Africa, and Silmara Sousa, Africa-Regional Coordinator of Member Associations Division of FIFA, has commenced a three-day working visit to the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

Arriving in Ghana on Tuesday, the delegation’s agenda includes discussions with the GFA on various football development matters and a comprehensive review of the Association’s ongoing projects, particularly those under the FIFA Forward programme.

Key topics of discussion as revealed by the GFA will encompass the review of the GFA’s Contract of Agreed Objectives for 2023-2026, assessment of criteria outlined in the FIFA Forward Regulations, and an examination of existing projects. Additionally, the meeting will delve into the GFA’s Technical Department initiatives, including Women’s football development, Talent Identification Scheme (TDS), FIFA High Performance, and action plans for utilizing FIFA forward funds.

The engagements aim to equip the GFA with insights to prepare future projects for presentation at upcoming AFCA or DevCo meetings of the World football governing body.

On Thursday, the delegation is scheduled to visit project sites, including the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram, and engage with key stakeholders, including the Director of the Technical Centre and the Technical Director.

Meetings have already taken place with the President of the Association, Edwin Simeon-Okraku, the General Secretary, Director of Legal, Women’s football development team, and the Director of Finance.

El Hadj Wack Diop and Silmara Sousa are set to conclude their visit on Friday, March 29, 2024, after which they will depart Ghana.

The visit underscores FIFA’s commitment to supporting football development initiatives in Ghana and fostering collaboration between the global football governing body and national football associations.