GFA, Meiji Holdings explore strategic Sports Nutrition partnership as Japanese firm backs Ghana Football with SAVAS

The Football Association and Japanese multinational Meiji Holdings Company Limited have taken a significant step towards establishing a potential long-term partnership focused on sports nutrition, players performance and football development in Ghana.

Meiji Holdings formally presented a support package to the GFA on Monday, September 14, 2026, at a colourful ceremony held at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra, as part of activities marking the company’s centenary anniversary.

GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku led the Football Association’s delegation to receive the package, which includes SAVAS sports nutrition supplements and protein shakes, alongside further financial commitment towards health and nutrition coaching.

The presentation and MoU signing formed part of Meiji’s broader interest of both parties developing areas of collaboration, with discussions towards a broader partnership expected to continue into 2027. The proposed partnership will explore collaboration in sports nutrition and players performance, youth football development, women’s football, health and nutrition education, coaching and technical development, and other areas of football development.

Key areas discussed included exploring opportunities to introduce Meiji’s SAVAS sports nutrition products to the Ghanaian market, leveraging the reach and popularity of football and the GFA, subject to agreed commercial arrangements.

Meiji also expressed interest in gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges confronting the GFA and identifying areas where the company could provide meaningful and sustainable support.

The GFA, meanwhile, will explore additional areas of mutual interest as the relationship develops, with the initial support expected to provide a foundation for broader cooperation between the two organisations.

At a closed-door meeting following the official presentation at the Adlon Ballroom, President Simeon-Okraku expressed his appreciation to Meiji for the support and welcomed the company’s interest in working with the GFA.

The GFA President and 2nd CAF Vice-President said the FA would seek to maximise the relationship while ensuring that it delivers value to both parties.

“Football is and will always be a good vehicle for SAVAS in terms of market penetration strategy,” President Simeon-Okraku said.

“We will leverage on this relationship and explore ways of ensuring the partnership is mutually beneficial,” he added.

GFA Vice-President Mark Addo also welcomed Meiji’s commitment to providing technical expertise and training for GFA officials on the proper use of SAVAS sports nutrition supplements and protein products.

“I am excited to hear that you will bring in experts to teach and train our officials,” Mark Addo said. “We appreciate this and look forward to more collaborative efforts.”

The proposed technical support is expected to enhance knowledge and understanding of sports nutrition among officials while promoting informed approaches to athlete health, preparation and performance.

GFA and Meiji sign MoU

The engagement was formalised with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku signed on behalf of the Ghana Football Association, while Katsunari Matsuda, CEO of Meiji Holdings Company Limited, signed for the Japanese firm.

The signing was witnessed by GFA Vice-President Mark Addo, Bunjiro Yao, Chief Executive of Meiji Company Limited, and Tsubasa Nakagawa, Director General of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Ghana.

The nutrition supplement component of the support package will be delivered to the GFA on a date and in a manner to be mutually agreed by both parties.

Head of Business Development Manager at the GFA, Janice Odonkor has been instrumental in advancing the engagement, working closely with JETRO Ghana, which facilitated the donation and continues to play an important role in discussions towards a potential long-term partnership. The engagement builds on discussions initiated earlier this year between the GFA and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), which has been facilitating greater collaboration between Ghana and Japan through sport and other areas of economic and cultural exchange.

The collaboration is expected to provide opportunities for knowledge transfer, technical cooperation and commercial engagement, while contributing to efforts to improve the standards of sports nutrition and athlete welfare within Ghana football.

The engagement coincided with Meiji’s 100th Anniversary celebration at the Kempinski Hotel, which attracted senior government officials and other distinguished guests. Among those in attendance were Chief of Staff Julius Debrah and Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. (Mrs) Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare.

President Simeon-Okraku was accompanied by GFA Vice-President Mark Addo, Executive Council member Samuel Aboabire, Head of Business Development, Janice Odonkor and Senior Communications Manager at the Office of the President, Patrick Akoto.

The engagement marks a promising beginning to a relationship that could extend well beyond the initial donation, with the GFA and Meiji Holdings exploring opportunities to combine sports nutrition expertise, welfare, commercial visibility and football development for the mutual benefit of both organisations.

GFA Communications