Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku has paid a visit to the Wa-Naa, the Overlord of the Waala Traditional Council, His Royal Majesty Naa Fuseini Seidu Pelpuo VI, at the Wa-Naa’s Palace in Wa.
The visit formed part of his tour of the Upper West Region and his engagement with traditional leaders, whose role he described as important in promoting unity, peace and development through football.
During the visit, President Simeon-Okraku paid his respects to the Wa-Naa and appealed for prayers and continued support for Ghana football, especially as the country prepares for a very busy 2026 football calendar.
He said several national teams will be in action this year, including the Black Stars at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. The Black Queens will also compete at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, while the Black Starlets, Black Maidens, Black Princesses and other national teams are expected to return to international competitions.
“2026 will be a very busy year for our national teams,” he said. “The Black Stars will be at the World Cup, the Black Starlets are returning to the continental championship, the Black Maidens are back, and the Princesses, among others, will also be very active.”
The GFA president also called on the Wa-Naa and the Waala Traditional Council to offer the same prayers and support given to former GFA president Kwasi Nyantakyi, a native of the area.
“I will respectfully plead with our revered king and his kinsmen to pray for our national teams, offering the same level of support that was given to President Kwasi Nyantakyi, who also played his part in advancing football in this country,” he added.
President Simeon-Okraku thanked the Wa-Naa for the warm welcome and praised traditional leaders for their continued support of football development.
The visit to the Wa-Naa’s Palace was a key highlight of his stay in the Upper West Region, which is the first stop on his tour of the three Northern Regions. During the tour, he also inspected football facilities and met with key stakeholders as part of the GFA’s efforts to strengthen grassroots football across the country.
By: Pascal Amoah
