President of the Football Association, Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, on Monday, August 25, 2025, paid a courtesy call on the Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, Commissioner of Police (COP) Lydia Yaako Donkor, at the Police Headquarters in Accra.
The high-level engagement forms part of the Football Association’s ongoing stakeholder consultations in preparation for the 2025/26 football season, and it provided an opportunity for both the FA and the CID to reaffirm their shared commitment to integrity, security and law enforcement within Ghana’s football ecosystem.
In his opening remarks, President Simeon-Okraku congratulated COP Lydia Donkor on her elevation to the role of Director-General of the CID, highlighting her contributions to the GFA as Head of Safety and Security.
“First of all, on behalf of the Executive Council, I would like to congratulate you on your elevation and pledge our support and commitment to you to ensure you succeed in your demanding role,” President Simeon-Okraku said.
The GFA President highlighted the crucial role of the Ghana Police Service, particularly the CID, in protecting the game from criminal activities such as match-fixing, hooliganism, cyber fraud and other threats that undermine the integrity of football. He assured the CID of the FA's readiness to deepen collaboration for a safe, transparent and professional football season.
“We are here to strengthen the relationship between the Football Association and the Ghana Police Service. We have worked hand-in-hand over the years and feel the need to call on your good selves to deepen the collaboration. We will continue to urge the Police to help us fight the canker of match manipulation or match-fixing and rid the game of such characteristics.” President Simeon- Okraku stressed.
He also proposed further collaboration between the FA and the Police Service to transform the Tesano Depot Park into a modern football facility.
“We have interest in one of your facilities at the depot (Tesano). We would like to explore the possibility of collaboration between us to transform the park into a standard facility.” he noted.
COP Lydia Donkor, in her response, warmly welcomed the GFA delegation and commended the Association for recognizing the importance of law enforcement in football administration. She reaffirmed the CID’s commitment to supporting the GFA in safeguarding the integrity of the game.
“We consider football a national treasure and an avenue for unity, development and pride. The Police Service, through the CID, will continue to stand with the GFA in addressing challenges such as violence at match venues and illegal betting practices.” COP Donkor stated.
The courtesy call underscores the Football Association’s broader stakeholder engagement strategy ahead of the new season. In recent weeks, the GFA has intensified dialogue with key institutions to create a secure and enabling environment for Ghana football.
The 2025/26 season kicks off with the Premier League on Friday, September 12, 2025.
The President was accompanied by three Executive Council members, Samuel Aboabire, Gideon Fosu and Eugene Nobel Noel, together with the Head of Public Relations and Strategy, Neil Armstrong-Mortagbe; Director of Communications, Henry Asante Twum; Maxwell Kemeh from the Competitions Department; and Senior Communications Manager and media attaché at the Office of the President, Patrick Akoto.
GFA Communications