A moment during the event
Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku has paid tribute to generations of Ghanaian football stars whose journeys to the highest level began through the country’s Colts football system.
Speaking at the launch of the 2026/27 Colts Football Season at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, Simeon-Okraku highlighted the important role Colts football has played in Ghana’s football history.
“Before we talk about numbers, competitions, facilities and investments, let us remember the reason Colts football matters,” he said.
He cited several former stars who began their careers in Colts football, including Abedi Pele of Great Falcons, Asamoah Gyan of Great Cedabs and former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah of Mighty Victory.
Fantomas FC was also credited with developing Sammy Kuffour, Emmanuel Duah, Jerry Akaminko, Ransford Osei and Mark Edusei.
Other notable graduates mentioned included Anthony Yeboah of Anokye Stars, Nii Odartey Lamptey of Karen Stars, Yaw Preko of Kotobabi Powerlines and Laryea Kingston, Aziz Ansah, Godwin Attram and Dan Quaye of Cowlane Babies.
Simeon-Okraku also highlighted Michael Essien, whose Colts journey began with Paa Badu/Liberty Babes before he became one of Ghana’s most accomplished midfielders in European football.
Other former Colts stars mentioned included Sulley Muntari, Derrick Boateng, Mohammed Gargo, John Boye, Ishmael Addo, Yusif Chibsah and Thomas Partey.
He said the history of these players underlines the GFA’s decision to revive and restructure Colts football since 2020, with the aim of creating a pathway from community football to professional clubs and the national teams.
BY Wletsu Ransford