President Mahama Calls for Revival of Colts League to Develop Young Talent
President John Dramani Mahama has called for the revival of the Colts League, saying grassroots football remains the most effective pathway for identifying and nurturing the next generation of Ghanaian football talent.
He said the decline of the once vibrant Colts system had created a gap in player development and urged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to restore the competition to its former prominence.
The President made the call during a courtesy visit by Medeama Sporting Club, Nations Football Club and Ampem Darkoa Ladies at the Jubilee House before their continental campaigns.
“There are a few things with regard to our football that we have left behind. One is identifying young talent. We used to have a very good Colts League. I do not know what happened to it,” he said.
Although informed that the competition had been renamed grassroots football, President Mahama insisted that its traditional identity should be preserved.
“I hear it has been renamed grassroots football, but we all knew it as Colts. So, call it the Colts League, and let us all help to sponsor it,” he added.
The President pledged to personally support Colts teams within his constituency and hometown, urging individuals, communities and corporate bodies to invest in grassroots football development.
President Mahama also expressed concern over the rapid transfer of promising Ghanaian players to Europe, saying the practice weakens the quality and competitiveness of the domestic league.
He proposed that talented players should be retained longer, given opportunities in the national teams and allowed to gain international experience before moving abroad.
The President further identified poor refereeing as one of the major challenges confronting Ghana football, noting that public perception of predetermined match outcomes had contributed to declining attendance at league matches.
“I want the Ghana Referees Association and the Football Association to work together to improve refereeing standards,” he said.
According to him, every match must be fairly officiated so that victories are earned on merit, thereby restoring public confidence, increasing spectator attendance and improving gate proceeds.
President Mahama said government would continue investing in sporting facilities nationwide while supporting the development of football and other disciplines, including athletics and boxing, through the Sports Development Fund.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
