The President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, recently undertook a detailed inspection tour of the Kurt E.S. Okraku Technical Centre in Winkogo, located in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region, near Bolgatanga.
This visit formed part of his broader ongoing tour of the region, during which he engaged with various stakeholders to advance grassroots football development.
Accompanying the GFA President were Salifu Zida, Chairman of the Upper East Regional Football Association (UERFA), along with key members of the regional executive committee.
The inspection focused on evaluating the facility’s current condition, confirming that it remains well-maintained and fully operational since the first phase was commissioned in June 2023 by the Overlord of the Talensi Traditional Area, Tongo-Raana Naab Kugbil Namaltang.
The centre, named in honor of the GFA President’s contributions to football infrastructure in northern Ghana, stands as a pioneering project in a region historically underserved in terms of quality sports facilities.
Phase one included essential elements such as a playing surface and foundational infrastructure, transforming the site into a key hub for talent nurturing. It currently serves as the dedicated training base for the GFA Elite Academy team, which operates in partnership with Bolgatanga Senior High School, providing young players from the Upper East and surrounding northern areas with structured development opportunities.
During the visit, Okraku received updates and briefings on the project’s progress and future plans. He expressed strong satisfaction with the facility’s upkeep and its tangible impact on local football, highlighting how it addresses long-standing infrastructure gaps while fostering talent identification and youth programs. As CAF Second Vice President, he reiterated his unwavering commitment to sustained investment in such initiatives, emphasizing their role in building a stronger football ecosystem nationwide.
Looking ahead, the second phase is actively in focus, with construction elements like modern dressing rooms (already nearing completion and fully GFA-funded) underway. Plans for this expansion include additional features such as the headquarters of the Upper East Regional Football Association, spectator stands, and enhanced pitches capable of hosting a wider range of matches, including elite domestic competitions and potentially youth national team camps.
When fully realized, the upgraded centre will further benefit the Winkogo community and neighboring areas by serving as a multi-purpose venue for regional and national football activities, ultimately helping to unlock more potential from the Upper East’s abundant grassroots talent. This ongoing development underscores the GFA’s strategy of decentralizing resources to promote inclusive growth in football across Ghana.