President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, has formally activated preparations for the national U-15 Girls team’s 2026 programme, urging the Management Committee to accelerate talent identification and strengthen planning ahead of major competitions later this year.
At a meeting held on Monday, February 16, 2026, the GFA President outlined a structured roadmap focused on nationwide scouting, player development, and competitive readiness. He commended committee chairman Dr Charles Osei Antoh and his members for accepting the responsibility of overseeing what he described as a vital youth national team.
Mr. Simeon-Okraku stressed the importance of early preparation and directed the committee to collaborate closely with the National Juvenile Committee (NJC) to immediately roll out a comprehensive scouting exercise across the country.
In his response, Dr. Osei Antoh thanked the GFA leadership for the trust placed in the committee and assured them of a disciplined and transparent approach to team building. He emphasised strict adherence to age eligibility requirements and streamlined operational structures to promote fairness and long-term player development.
He also urged scouts to intensify monitoring at centres hosting the ongoing FIFA-backed Regional Leagues, calling for the identification of talented players within the stipulated age category.
Regional Football Coordinator Daasebre Adu Asare lauded the growth of girls’ football nationwide and encouraged the committee to broaden its search by tracking emerging talents within the GFA Elite Academy system as part of an expanded call-up strategy.
Technical Director Professor Joseph Kwame Mintah reiterated the need to comply fully with FIFA Talent Identification Programme guidelines. He noted that selections must be transparent, technically sound, and age-appropriate, while advocating closer collaboration between the committee, coaches, and technical staff to ensure consistency in development pathways.
National Teams Director and Deputy General Secretary Alex Asante pledged full administrative backing, highlighting the importance of high standards in player welfare, coaching supervision, and regular camp assessments.
The Management Committee is mandated to provide strategic oversight and long-term planning for the U-15 Girls team, serving as a bridge between the technical bench and the GFA leadership. It is also responsible for ensuring adequate camping facilities, timely provision of logistics including medical support and training equipment—and routine monitoring of camp operations to safeguard player welfare.
