Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku has appealed to the government to grant Colts clubs free access to state-owned astroturf facilities across the country.

The GFA boss made the call on Tuesday during the official launch of the 2026/27 Colts Football League season, where he raised concerns about the growing difficulty grassroots clubs face in securing suitable playing grounds.

According to Okraku, Ghana currently has more than 1,000 Colts clubs, many of which are struggling to find affordable venues for their matches.

He noted that several of the traditional community pitches that previously served as the foundation for Colts football have gradually disappeared due to private developments and other forms of investment.

Okraku said the situation has left clubs with limited options, forcing them to rely on astroturf facilities, which often come with significant hiring fees.

The GFA president revealed that Colts clubs can spend between GH¢500 and GH¢1,500 for a single 90-minute game, placing considerable financial pressure on club owners and organisers.

While acknowledging the investments made by successive governments and private individuals in the construction of astroturf pitches, Okraku believes state-owned facilities should be made available to Colts clubs without charge.

“Our appeal is very simple. We appreciate the investment in the construction of the astroturf, but we want to use those facilities for our Colts clubs for free,” Okraku said.

He further appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to consider the proposal, stressing that free access to government facilities would provide much-needed relief for grassroots clubs and create better opportunities for young footballers.

Okraku expressed optimism that the President would respond positively, pointing to Mahama’s interest in football and the renewed efforts to revive the Colts League.

The GFA president believes removing pitch-hire costs would encourage greater participation and help create a stronger pathway for young boys and girls seeking to develop their football careers.

The call comes at the start of the new Colts season, with the GFA seeking to strengthen grassroots football and restore the competition’s importance as a major talent-development platform in Ghana.