On Monday, 27 February 2017, when Fifa president Gianni Infantino visited Ghana, then led by beleaguered Kwesi Nyantakyi, he made a promise that sounded like a turning point for football in the country. A lot of locals were happy and had high hopes that massive improvements will befall their most loved sport and pave way for the future generations.
“For the first time in the history of FIFA,” he said, “each country will receive a guaranteed annual allocation beginning at $1.25 million under a reformed development framework.”
That promise became the FIFA Forward Programme, launched in 2016 to make football funding more transparent, structured and accountable.
However, after ten years on, it is worth asking: How has the Ghana Football Association under the leadership of Kurt E.S Okraku used the money and how does Ghana compare with other football associations across Africa?
The Money Ghana Was Entitled To
Under the FIFA Forward Programme, funding is divided into: Entitlements which is the total amount allocated to a country as well as committed funds, which is money approved by FIFA for specific projects.
Ghana is entitled to $19 million and out of this, $16 million have been approved and committed.
So where did the money go?
How Ghana Spent the $16 Million
1. Infrastructure – $1.86 million which represents 36.8% of committed funds
The breakdown shows:
• Member association headquarters – 0
• Stadiums – 0
• Technical centres – 3
• Beach Soccer/ Futsal complexes – 0
• Pitches – 83
The biggest visible achievement here is the construction of 83 pitches and three technical centres. However, no investment was made in building a new FA headquarters or stadium infrastructure under this funding window.
2. Capacity Building – $417,991 representing 8.3% of the total money
This covers training, administration development and improving technical knowledge. It is important but relatively small compared to other categories.
3. Projects (Not Clearly Defined) – $1.96 million (38.8%)
This is one of the largest allocations. However, FIFA does not clearly define what these “projects” are in public breakdowns. For many football followers, this lack of clarity raises questions.
4. National Team Support – $816,012 (16.2%)
Support for national teams, including logistics and preparation.
5. Travel and Equipment – $1.25 million
Covers movement, kits and related needs.
6. Competitions – $0
No Forward funds were allocated directly to competitions.
7. Operational Costs – $9.9 million
This is the largest single expenditure. According to FIFA records, $9.9 million has gone into operational costs, with $600,000 remaining.
Operational costs typically include administration, salaries, office expenses and running the FA.
The Highs
There are positives even if that cannot match expectations. Within this period, 83 pitches have been built across the country by the Football Association alongside three technical centres which create platforms for development.
Moreover, that regular funding has ensured stability in administration and national teams have received consistent financial backing. Therefore, these investments matter, especially for grassroots football.
The Lows
However, there are concerns irrespective of the aforementioned benefits:
First of all, nearly $10 million went into operational costs which is more than half of the committed funds. Interestingly, no stadium was built under this programme and also no beach soccer or futsal complexes were developed.
Again, “Projects” remain vaguely defined and no funds were allocated directly to competitions.
For a country passionate about football, and even qualified to play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be staged in United States, Canada and Mexico, the absence of major long-term infrastructure stands out.
How Other African FAs Used Their FIFA Money
Across Africa, some associations have taken a more infrastructure-focused approach.
• The Rwanda Football Federation invested in upgrading technical centres and strengthening youth academies.
• The Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) channelled resources into structured youth development systems and world-class training facilities.
• The Egyptian Football Association has supported technical training centres and administrative upgrades.
• The Senegalese Football Federation strengthened grassroots infrastructure alongside national team development.
In several cases, there has been a visible push toward modern training complexes, academies and long-term player development systems.
Comparing the Approaches
Ghana’s model is mainly characterised by heavy operational spending, modest infrastructure investment, and limited visible flagship projects
Meanwhile, some other African models have larger focus on training complexes, clear investment in academies and atructured youth pathways.
While Ghana has spread resources widely (especially with pitches), it has not delivered one defining national football project under the Forward era.
Where Ghana can improve
1. Reduce operational costs over time
More money can shift from administration to infrastructure.
2. Define projects clearly
Transparency builds trust.
3. Build a flagship national technical centre
A world-class centre could become the heart of Ghana football.
4. Invest in youth leagues and competitions
Competitions drive development.
5. Strengthen monitoring and public reporting
Regular updates would improve confidence among fans.
The human side of the story
For the ordinary football fan in Kumasi, Tamale, Cape Coast or Accra, the question is simple:
Can we see what the money has built?
Football is emotional in Ghana. It brings families together. It fills stadiums. It shapes dreams.
Ten years after that promise in 2017, the funding has come. Some work has been done. But the bigger opportunity still remains to turn FIFA money into visible, lasting football legacy.
The next phase for the Ghana Football Association is not just about receiving funds.
It is about building something every Ghanaian can proudly point to and say:
This is ours.
— Story partly curated from Muftawu Nabile
