President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku has delivered the opening address at the WAFU B General Assembly, and reaffirmed his commitment to develop football in the sub-region, increase zonal competitiveness, improve governance, enhance accountability, build  capacity and strengthen successful collaborations.

President Simeon-Okraku was speaking at  the 17th WAFU B General Assembly in Niamey, Niger, on Friday November 22, 2024. In addition to the positive developmental initiatives already embarked upon,  Mr. Simeon-Okraku also confirmed plans to set up an Executive Committee and statutory standing committees for the zone, improve communication, increase competitions  and revitalize the human resource at the Headquarters to make the zone truly reflective of the diversity and depth of skillsets that could be found within the zone.

"We have taken steps to hire internal auditors as part of the strategy to improve governance at WAFU B (UFOA-B). This is aimed at enhancing credibility and reputation, improve financial management and sustainability and protect football’s integrity," President Simeon-Okraku told attendees gathered in Niamey, Niger.

"It is important for us to lead the way of governance in our zone by ensuring that we have a fully-fledged Executive Committee. The committee will serve as a central decision-making and oversight body responsible for shaping WAFU B’s strategic direction, policies, and operations."

With new statutory committees set to be formed within the next four weeks, President Simeon-Okraku underlined his commitment to improving communication and human resources within the zone.

"We are taking steps to ensure formal communication within the zone improves.  To our external publics, we’re taking steps to enhance our website and completely improve our social media presence."

"We’ll enhance and improve Human Resource (HR) at the Headquarters to make our zone truly reflective of the depth of skills sets that we have in our zone. We would seek to invest in Human Resource infrastructure, foster open communication, prioritise employee development, embrace diversity and inclusion as well as monitor progress and adjust strategies, where necessary. We would ensure that there is a good balance of personnel to create a healthy working atmosphere in the office. Revitalising our Human Resource would be a game-changer as our employees will be empowered, engaged and equipped to drive our organisation’s success."

President Simeon-Okraku also assured the gathering that good governance remains at the forefront of all WAFU B’s actions, plans and commitments.

While urging for unity and support for WAFU Zone B, the President also confirmed there will be five major tournaments and eight capacity building workshops within the zone next year. He encouraged  Member  Associations (MAs) to take keen interest in the activities of the sub-regional bloc.

Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku  called for greater unity and collaboration to enhance the collective improvement of football in the sub-region and Africa at large.

"Football unifies all of us at all times. When there are disagreements, we should be mindful of our core mandate of service to the people we serve. Football should teach and encourage us to focus on the collective goal."

In his concluding remarks, President Simeon-Okraku rallied WAFU Member Associations and zonal Presidents to back the second term Presidential bid of  CAF President, Dr. Patrice Motsepe.

"Mr. President (Dr. Patrice Motsepe), members of WAFU –B are here to assure you of our unflinching support and loyalty as you seek another mandate to lead African Football. You have shaped the future of African football and taken CAF to even greater heights."

"Officially, I lead my colleagues and brothers from WAFU Zone B to offer our undiluted support to you for the CAF Presidency elections next year. You have our unflinching and unalloyed support to stand again as the next President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) from 2025."

Under Dr. Motsepe's leadership, CAF has seen significant improvements in several pivotal areas including but not limited to increased funding, higher prize money for CHAN, AFCON and Women’s Champions League (WCL), the establishment of the African Clubs Association, reforms at the Referee level, enhanced support for the Zones and the inclusion of Zonal Union Presidents at the Executive Committee level amongst several top level initiatives aimed at financial reforms, grassroots development, competitions reforms, strengthening governance structures and promoting accountability.

In attendance were Ghana Football Association General Secretary, Prosper Harrison Addo and 1978 African Footballer of the Year, 'Golden Boy' Abdul Razak, who attended the event as a Special Guest.

GFA Communications