The Ghana Football Association (GFA) officially launched the 2026/27 Colts Football Season on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram.
The launch was held at the E.T. Mensah Hall and brought together key stakeholders and personalities from Ghana’s football fraternity.
Black Stars legends Awudu Issaka and John Paintsil were among the notable personalities who arrived at the ceremony, which also attracted GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, Regional Football Association (RFA) chairmen, members of the National Juvenile Committee and national football ambassadors, including Asamoah Gyan.
The 2026/27 season represents the sixth consecutive season since the Colts system was resurrected and restructured in 2020, highlighting the GFA’s continued commitment to developing football at the grassroots level.
Speaking about the importance of Colts football to Ghana’s football development, GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku pointed to the number of established Black Stars players who began their journeys in community-based Colts clubs.
“Ghana’s football history is filled with extraordinary players who started their journeys on small community pitches, wearing the colours of Colts clubs that believed in them before the rest of the world knew their names.”
Simeon-Okraku highlighted several former Black Stars players whose early development was shaped by Colts football.
He noted that Owareman FC was the Colts home of former Black Stars midfielder Sulley Muntari, who went on to enjoy a highly successful career in Ghana and Europe.
“Owareman FC was the Colts home of Sulley Muntari, who went on to become a highly accomplished Ghanaian international and European club player.”
The GFA President also cited Anokye Stars as the club that nurtured legendary Ghanaian striker Anthony Yeboah.
“Anokye Stars nurtured Anthony Yeboah, one of Ghana’s most respected and prolific strikers.”
Another example was Karen Stars, which produced former Black Stars defender Nii Odartey Lamptey, who made his mark on the international stage at a remarkably young age.
“Karen Stars produced Nii Odartey Lamptey, who announced himself on the world stage at a remarkably young age.”
Simeon-Okraku further highlighted the contribution of Paa Badu/Liberty Babes to the development of former Black Stars midfielder Michael Essien, who went on to achieve major success at the highest level of world football.
“Paa Badu/Liberty Babes helped nurture Michael Essien, one of the greatest midfielders Ghana has produced and a player who achieved tremendous success at the highest level of world football.”
The GFA President also mentioned Ashaiman Young Revelations, which produced former Black Stars captain and midfielder Thomas Teye Partey.
“Ashaiman Young Revelations produced Thomas Teye Partey, who has gone on to become one of Ghana’s outstanding midfielders and an important figure for the Black Stars.”
He also recognised Ken Harrison Babes for its role in the development of several notable Ghanaian players.
“Ken Harrison Babes played an important role in the development of Sam Johnson, Christian Sabah, Robert Sabah and Adolph Armah.”
Another celebrated name linked to the Colts system is former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah, who began his football journey with Mighty Victory.
“Mighty Victory was home to Stephen Appiah, a great midfielder and celebrated former captain of the Black Stars.”
The examples underline the historical importance of Colts football as a foundation for Ghanaian talent, with many players moving from community pitches to professional clubs, the Black Stars and major European leagues.
The launch therefore comes as part of the GFA’s broader efforts to strengthen grassroots football, provide young players with competitive opportunities and create a structured pathway for the next generation of Ghanaian football stars.