Kurt Okraku visits Upper East House of Chiefs, seeks special prayers for Ghana football

Ghana Football Association president, Kurt Edwin Simeon Okraku, paid a special visit to the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs following his tour of the region. 

The FA boss, who had earlier visited the minister of the region, Honourable Donatus Atanga, proceeded to meet the resident of the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs, Chiana Pio, Pe Thomas More Ditundini Adiali Ayagtam III—who is also the Paramount Chief of the Chiana Traditional Area in the Kassena-Nankana West District.

Kurt Okraku was welcomed by a huge entourage of chiefs, whom he first conveyed his profound gratitude to for their immense contributions to the growth of football in the region, noting that the support of traditional authorities has been instrumental in advancing grassroots development and nurturing young talent.

The President reserved special praise for the Overlord of the Talensi Traditional Area, Tongraan Kugbilsong Nalebegtang, for his visionary leadership and generosity in donating land at Winkogo for the construction of the Kurt E.S. Okraku Technical Centre. A gesture he described as a landmark contribution that has positioned the Upper East Region as a key hub for football development and talent identification.

He also used the opportunity to appeal for prayers and support as Ghana prepares for a busy international calendar, highlighting the Black Stars’ participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, the Black Queens’ forthcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign, and the return of the Black Starlets and Black Maidens to international competitions.

Speaking for the traditional rulers, the President of the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs, Chiana Pio, Pe Thomas More Ditundini Adiali Ayagtam III, expressed his appreciation to President Simeon-Okraku for demonstrating genuine commitment to the region by placing it at the heart of football infrastructure development.

He also assured the GFA President of the continued support of traditional rulers in collaborating with the Football Association to expand infrastructure and strengthen the region’s status as a talent hub.

To show appreciation for Kurt Okraku's visit, the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs presented a traditional smock to the FA president in recognition of his leadership and contributions to football development in the region.

The engagement further underscores the GFA President’s people-centered leadership approach and his commitment to deepening partnerships with traditional authorities as part of a broader strategy to build inclusive, sustainable football development across Ghana.