In a bid to enhance the welfare of retired footballers and promote the development of juvenile sports, the Ghana Retired Footballers Welfare Association (GRFWA) has made a significant donation of sports kits to football teams in the Ketu South Constituency of the Volta Region.
The donation comes just a week after the official launch of the GRFWA, which is committed to supporting retired footballers while fostering youth football development across the country.
Two local football clubs, Songhai FC and Gakli FC, were the beneficiaries of this initiative, receiving a set of jerseys, footballs, and a financial package of 5,000 GHS to assist their operations.
The donation was presented by GRFWA President Mohammed Elias and the NPP Parliamentary Candidate for Ketu South, Samuel Doe Haligah, who both encouraged the players to embrace the Association’s vision of enhancing grassroots football development in Ghana.
Speaking to the media, GRFWA President Mohammed Elias underscored the Association’s objectives, which include providing monthly stipends and free medical checkups for retired footballers aged 70 and 60, respectively.
Elias acknowledged the backing of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and other benevolent Ghanaians in realizing these goals, stating that their support would not only bring much-needed relief to retired players but also serve as an inspiration for younger footballers to take their careers seriously.
NPP Parliamentary Candidate for Ketu South, Samuel Doe Haligah, also lauded Vice President Dr. Bawumia and the GRFWA for spearheading the initiative. Haligah pledged to rally his colleagues in Parliament to support similar efforts, should he be elected.
He stressed that such initiatives are crucial to reviving Ghana’s football sector, which has seen a decline in recent years.
Former Hearts of Oak and Black Stars player Joseph Tagoe, alongside other retired footballers present at the event, called on stakeholders to rally behind the Association’s mission to improve grassroots football and ensure the welfare of retired players.
Some of the beneficiaries, overwhelmed with excitement, expressed their gratitude and pledged to support the GRFWA and the NPP flagbearer’s campaign to uplift grassroots football and retired players in the country.