Kurt Okraku pledges to maximise GFA-Meiji partnership

Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku has pledged to maximise the Football Associations emerging relationship with Japanese multinational Meiji Holdings Company Limited.The two organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday, September 14, 2026, as they explore a broader partnership covering sports nutrition, player performance and football development in Ghana.Meiji presented the GFA with an initial support package containing SAVAS sports nutrition supplements and protein shakes, alongside financial support towards health and nutrition coaching.Speaking after the presentation, Okraku said the GFA would work to ensure the relationship delivers value for both parties as discussions continue towards a wider partnership.We will leverage on this relationship and explore ways of ensuring the partnership is mutually beneficial, Okraku said.The GFA President welcomed Meijis interest in understanding the challenges facing Ghana football and identifying areas where the company can provide meaningful and sustainable support.The proposed partnership will cover several areas, including sports nutrition and player performance, youth football development, womens football, health and nutrition education, coaching and technical development.Meiji is also considering opportunities to introduce its SAVAS sports nutrition products to the Ghanaian market, using the reach and popularity of football and the GFA, subject to agreed commercial arrangements.For the GFA, the relationship could provide access to technical expertise and training in sports nutrition, with Meiji expected to bring specialists to train officials on the proper use of its products.GFA Vice-President Mark Addo welcomed the proposed technical support from the Japanese company.The MoU was signed by Okraku on behalf of the GFA, while Meiji Holdings CEO Katsunari Matsuda signed for the Japanese company.The signing was witnessed by GFA Vice-President Mark Addo, Meiji Company Limited Chief Executive Bunjiro Yao and Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) Ghana Director General Tsubasa Nakagawa.The engagement builds on discussions initiated earlier this year between the GFA and JETRO Ghana, which has been facilitating increased cooperation between Ghana and Japan through sport and other areas.