Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, has taken part in a FIFA consultative meeting focused on shaping the next phase of the global football governing body’s flagship development initiative, the FIFA Forward Programme.

The high-level gathering was held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, and brought together Presidents of Member Associations from both WAFU Zone A and Zone B.

The meeting served as a strategic platform to review progress and chart the course for the upcoming FIFA Forward 4.0 cycle, which is set to succeed the current 3.0 phase concluding in 2026.

Central to the discussions was the structure and priorities of the Forward 4.0 programme, scheduled to run from 2027 to 2030. The initiative is expected to build on existing gains by continuing to provide vital financial support to member associations, particularly in areas such as football administration, governance and infrastructure development.

Participants engaged in forward-looking deliberations on how best to enhance the impact of FIFA’s funding model, ensuring that resources are efficiently utilized to promote sustainable growth across all levels of the game.

The FIFA Forward Programme, introduced under the leadership of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, remains one of the organisation’s most significant tools for driving global football development.

Since its inception, it has played a vital role in improving facilities, strengthening institutional capacity and expanding opportunities within member associations worldwide.