Launch of the MTN Elite U19 Championship

A Landmark Event for Ghanaian Football

The inaugural edition of the MTN Elite U19 Championship was officially unveiled on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the Ghana Football Association (GFA) headquarters in Accra. This event signifies a crucial development in the football landscape of Ghana, reflecting the association’s dedication to empowering youth through its primary initiative, “Power to the Youth.”

Dignitaries in Attendance

The launch was attended by prominent figures in the football community, including GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, Hon. Eric Edem Agbana, Chairman of the Elite U19 Championship, members of the GFA Executive Council, the ten Regional Football Association chairpersons, and several key technical personnel like Black Stars Technical Advisor Winfried Schäfer and Black Satellites Coach Maxwell Konadu.

Presidential Remarks

During the opening address, President Simeon-Okraku expressed his enthusiasm for the new championship, characterizing it as a timely initiative that will profoundly benefit Ghanaian football. He stated, “This competition presents opportunities for young, gifted players in the second division. The sentiment of ‘Power to the Youth’ reflects our aim to create an enabling environment for talent identification and development of future football stars.”

Recognition of Achievements

Hon. Eric Edem Agbana, the Championship Chairman, applauded the GFA leadership for their progressive vision and praised the Black Stars for having qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He noted that this accomplishment demonstrates Ghana’s resilient football spirit. “Congratulations are in order for the Black Stars for their qualification to the World Cup, which reinforces the idea that with the right systems in place and talent nurtured, Ghana is capable of competing at the highest levels,” he stated. Hon. Agbana also commended President Okraku’s focus on youth development, asserting that the MTN Elite U19 Championship marks a renewed effort to establish structured pathways for young footballers transitioning into professional careers.

The Importance of Discipline

“This initiative transcends football; it emphasizes discipline and teamwork, shaping the future of Ghanaian youth. I extend my gratitude to MTN Ghana for their steadfast support of sports development. Their ongoing partnership reflects a corporate vision that focuses on purpose and national impact rather than mere profit,” he remarked.

Championship Details

The tournament is scheduled to take place from October 23 to November 2, 2025, at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence located in Prampram. This 11-day championship will feature ten U19 teams from various Regional Football Associations and aims to showcase some of Ghana’s most promising young talents, providing them with a valuable platform to compete, learn, and gain visibility with youth coaches and professional clubs.

The Role of MTN Ghana

Sponsoring the event, MTN Ghana aims to discover, nurture, and elevate young footballers from grassroots levels. The competition focuses not only on finding raw talent but also on instilling core values of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance among the participants.

Future Aspirations

The introduction of the MTN Elite U19 Championship is a significant milestone in the GFA’s long-term strategy to cultivate a sustainable pipeline of talent for national teams and clubs, ensuring that Ghana maintains its rich football heritage on both continental and international stages.

GFA Communications