The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has hosted a distinguished delegation from Columbia University’s MBA program as part of their Global Immersion course.
The visit, which brought together faculty members and 30 MBA students, provided a unique platform for discussions on the evolution of Ghanaian football, its governance, commercialization, and the increasing synergy between football and tourism.
Led by senior faculty members, the delegation engaged with top officials of the GFA, including the General Secretary, Executives, and Heads of Departments at the Federation’s Head Office in Accra.
Discussions centered around football governance, revenue generation, and financial operations, with insights into how the FA secures funding for various projects. The session highlighted the role of FIFA Forward programmes in supporting specific initiatives, CAF funding for infrastructure and competitions, and UEFA-backed projects aimed at football development.
The delegation also explored the milestones in women’s football development at the GFA, including the expansion of the Women’s Premier League, talent identification pathways, and grassroots initiatives designed to foster female participation in football. The GFA’s commitment to youth talent identification was highlighted, with emphasis on structured scouting and international collaborations aimed at nurturing the next generation of footballers.
A key highlight of the engagement was a presentation by the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), led by Ben Anane Nsiah, Deputy CEO -General Services, which emphasized the significant role of sports tourism in Ghana’s economic development. Over the past four years, the GTA has actively promoted football as a tourism asset, leveraging major tournaments, fan engagement activities, and strategic branding to position Ghana as a leading sports tourism destination in Africa.
GFA President Kurt E.S. Okraku in his closing remarks, emphasised the deep integration of football into Ghana’s social and economic fabric.
“Football is not just a game in Ghana; it is an industry that drives employment, economic growth, and national pride. The synergy between football and tourism is also a crucial element in our development strategy, and we are committed to leveraging it to attract investment and global attention." he stated.
The GFA remains committed to encouraging international collaboration and knowledge exchange, ensuring that football continues to serve as a key driver of economic and social progress in Ghana.
GFA Communications