GFA Makes Safeguarding Certification Mandatory Ahead of 2026/27 Campaign

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced that safeguarding training and certification will become mandatory for all officials within Ghana’s football ecosystem starting from the 2026/27 season.

The directive forms part of the association’s efforts to strengthen protection for everyone involved in the sport, particularly children and vulnerable persons. Under the new policy, officials of clubs and licensed academies will be required to obtain at least the FIFA Guardians Safeguarding in Football Award as a minimum qualification for registration and recognition within Ghanaian football.

According to the GFA, its Safeguarding Unit has already begun training key stakeholders, including coaches, referees, scouts, match commissioners, football medics, club administrators, and team officials across the country.

The program focuses on identifying safeguarding risks, applying protective measures, and promoting ethical behavior in football environments.

The GFA will also implement the CAF Safeguarding Toolkit, which provides guidelines on risk management, codes of conduct, and reporting procedures.

GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku said the initiative aims to ensure a safe and supportive environment for players, especially young athletes. Uncertified officials will not be eligible for registration from the 2026/27 season.