President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku calls on IGP, pushes for stronger sports policing agenda

President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku on Thursday, February 19, 2026, paid a high-level courtesy call on the Inspector-General of Police, COP Christian Tetteh Yohunu, and the leadership of the Ghana Police Service at the Police Headquarters, reinforcing the deepening partnership between Ghana’s football governing body and national security authorities.

The visit culminated in a firm commitment by the Football Association to collaborate with the Police Service to construct a modern community football pitch at the famous Police Depot School in Tesano, an institution that has served as a nurturing ground for several former and current players and teams.

Accompanied by Vice-President Mark Addo and some members of the Executive Council, President Simeon-Okraku expressed profound gratitude to the IGP and his top executives for their warm reception. He noted that such engagements form part of his routine outreach to newly appointed Inspectors-General of Police, underscoring the importance of sustained collaboration between football and law enforcement.

The GFA President reaffirmed the Football Association’s commitment to investing in youth development through its “Power to the Youth” initiative, with the Tesano pitch project positioned as a flagship intervention to upgrade sporting infrastructure and provide opportunities for young talents.

He commended the Police Service for its direct investment in the game through its two competitive sides, Police Ladies and Police National FC, who feature in the Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League and the Access Bank Division One League respectively. He particularly hailed Police Ladies for their impressive semi-final finish at the 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League WAFU B qualifiers in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire.

President Simeon-Okraku emphasised the need for enhanced Sports Policing, describing it as “distinctively different from ordinary policing” due to the unique dynamics, emotional intensity and crowd management challenges associated with football.

As 2nd Vice-President of CAF, he appealed to the Police leadership to intensify efforts against match manipulation and illegal betting, calling on law enforcement to help identify and eliminate “faceless cowards” who undermine the integrity of the game.

In a gesture of partnership, the GFA President offered Premier League content free-to-air on Police TV to broaden access to Ghana’s top football product and deepen public engagement.

While acknowledging the immense contribution of the Police Service to football administration, including officers who serve as referees and officials, President Simeon-Okraku urged the Service to prioritise the protection of lives and property at match venues nationwide.

He also appealed to the Police to expedite investigations into the unfortunate demise of football fan Nana Pooley, stressing the importance of closure and justice for the bereaved family and the wider football community.

Touching on Ghana’s World Cup qualification and preparations for the global tournament in North America, the GFA President highlighted the collaborative security framework being developed between the FA and the Police Service to ensure seamless operations.

In his response, Inspector-General of Police COP Christian Tetteh Yohunu expressed appreciation to the GFA President and his delegation for initiating the Tesano Police Depot pitch project. He assured the Football Association of the Police Service’s unwavering support and active participation at match venues across the country.

The IGP noted that the deployment of enhanced security technology and Robocop units would significantly curb hooliganism and improve matchday safety. He pledged to work closely with the GFA to guarantee that football in Ghana is played in a secure and professionally managed environment.

President Simeon-Okraku was accompanied by Vice-President Mark Addo, Executive Council members Samuel Aboabire and Eugene Nobel Noel, Deputy General Secretary Ama Brobey Williams, GFA Head of Security John Ansah, Acting Director of Competitions Maxwell Caesar Kemeh, Director of IT Francis Adu, Chief of Staff Michael Osekre, and Senior Communications Manager and Media Officer at the Office of the President, Patrick Akoto.

The meeting signaled a renewed, strategic alliance between Ghana’s football leadership and its national security apparatus, anchored on youth development, integrity protection and the creation of a safe, thriving football ecosystem nationwide.

GFA Communications