President of the Football Association, Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, has paid homage to the Wa-Naa and Overlord of the Waala Traditional Council, His Royal Majesty Naa Fuseini Seidu Pelpuo VI, at the Wa-Naa’s Palace in Wa, as part of his tour of the Upper West Region.

The visit formed a key component of the President’s engagement with traditional leadership in the region, underscoring the vital role of chiefs and opinion leaders in the growth and unity of Ghana football.

President Simeon-Okraku formally paid his respects to the revered ruler and his kinsmen and appealed for prayers and continued support for Ghana football, particularly as the nation prepares for an intense international calendar in 2026.

He highlighted that the year ahead will be one of the busiest in Ghana’s football history, with several national teams set to compete on major continental and global stages.

The Black Stars are scheduled to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, while the Black Queens will feature at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. In addition, the Black Starlets and Black Maidens are set to return to international competitions, alongside the Black Princesses and other national teams.

“2026 will be a very busy year for our national teams,” President Simeon-Okraku 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.”

In a heartfelt appeal, the GFA President called on the Wa-Naa and the Waala Traditional Council to offer the same level of prayers and support previously extended to his predecessor, former GFA President Kwasi Nyantakyi, a native of the land, who played his role in the advancement of Ghana football.

“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 expressed profound gratitude to the Wa-Naa for the warm reception and the enduring support of traditional authorities in promoting peace, unity and development through football.

The visit to the Wa-Naa’s Palace marked a significant highlight of President Simeon-Okraku’s stay in the Upper West Region, which represents the first leg of his tour of the three Northern Regions.

During the tour, he inspected football facilities and held a series of strategic meetings with key stakeholders as part of the GFA’s broader mission to strengthen grassroots development and stakeholder engagement across the country.