President Okraku stresses focus on youth development in maiden Club Licensing Committee Meeting

The strategic imperative for the Club Licensing regime of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to strongly cater for youth football development in the nation has been firmly emphasized by GFA President, Kurt Edwin-Simeon Okraku. At the inaugural meeting of the Club Licensing Committee, President Okraku emphasized the need for stringent regulations to prioritize the nurturing of young talents.

Chairman for the Club Licensing Committee, Dr. Kwame Baah-Nuakoh, expressed gratitude to President Okraku for maintaining the Committee's membership, setting the tone for a collaborative and purposeful gathering.

President Okraku, in turn, extended appreciation to the Committee members for their past efforts, while warmly welcoming new faces, including the newly appointed Club Licensing Manager, Esme Mends.

Central to the discussions was the enforcement of regulations pertaining to youth football development, with Dr. Kwame Baah-Nuakoh shedding light on the pertinent regulations outlined by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Recognizing the necessity for a structured approach, the committee proposed the creation of a standardized template for Youth Development within the Technical Department of the Football Association (FA), aimed at streamlining juvenile football across the country.

Furthermore, Dr. Kwame Baah-Nuakoh appealed to President Okraku for additional support for the Club Licensing Manager, specifically requesting personnel with expertise in finance, accounting, and marketing to aid in the efficient execution of responsibilities.

President Okraku, echoing the commitment to youth development, urged Premier League clubs to comply with regulations mandating the ownership of juvenile clubs—an initiative previously endorsed by the Executive Council.

The committee pledged to closely collaborate with the Competitions Department of the GFA in formulating a comprehensive program for the upcoming season, underscoring their collective dedication to advancing youth football.

The maiden meeting of the Club Licensing Committee thus heralded a new era of focused efforts towards nurturing budding talents and fostering a thriving football ecosystem in Ghana.

The Club Licensing Committee is made up of the following members:

Dr. Kwame Baah-Nuakoh – Chairman

Clement Opoku Gyamfi – Vice Chairman

Mike Bonsu – Member

Jacob Yeboah Boamah – Member

Mavis Amanor – Member

Eric Donkor – Member

Delali Senaye - Member

Esme Mends – Club Licensing Manager

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