By: Kwame Bediako
Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, paid a courtesy call on Dr. Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, to discuss collaborative efforts aimed at creating jobs and empowering Ghanaian youth through football.
The meeting took place at the Ministry’s offices and brought together key officials from both institutions to explore opportunities for partnership.
Kurt Okraku was joined by Executive Council Members, Samuel Aboabire and Eugene Nobel Noel, as well as the GFA’s Business Development Manager, Janice Odonkor.
During the discussions, the GFA leadership emphasized the potential of football as a tool for youth development, social mobility and economic empowerment. They highlighted the sport’s widespread popularity and its unique role in identifying and nurturing talent across the country.
Kurt Okraku remarked on the natural connection between football and employment, describing the sport as a significant vehicle to create job opportunities.
“For us in football, we offer opportunities to young boys and girls, using our vast scouting network to identify, nurture and promote talent in every corner of our dear country,” Mr. Okraku explained.
Dr. Pelpuo welcomed the delegation warmly and expressed support for the initiative. He commended the GFA’s proactive approach and affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to collaborating on innovative, sport-based employment programmes.
Both parties agreed to identify practical areas where football could contribute to youth empowerment and job creation through the football value chain.
The meeting concludes with optimism for a strategic partnership between the Ghana Football Association and the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment.
Together, they aim to harness the power of football to generate meaningful employment opportunities, driving socio-economic development and empowering the nation’s young population.
