CAF 2nd Vice-President and Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, officially opened the CAF Safe Stadium Initiative workshop at the GFA Headquarters in Accra.
The three-day programme is designed to strengthen safety and security at stadiums across Ghana and the African continent.
Speaking on behalf of CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, Okraku underlined the importance of providing secure environments for football stakeholders.
“Since our President took office, one of his foremost promises has been to deliver football in a very, very safe environment for all consumers of our sport,” he noted. “It is always important for CAF, working closely with our Member Associations, to share knowledge that will help ensure lives and property are not only safe but protected at all CAF-organised events.”
The GFA boss reflected on Ghana’s own painful experience with stadium tragedies, particularly the 2001 Accra Sports Stadium disaster, stressing that lessons must be applied consistently.
“Ever since that horrible day in 2001, we have said ‘never again.’ But we must admit that we have not always ticked the right boxes during our events. That is why we are here to learn, to close the gaps, and to ensure football is delivered the way it should be: safely and responsibly,” he said.
Okraku urged participants to spread the knowledge they gain to club officials, security officers, and matchday personnel to restore fan confidence.
“People should have the confidence to travel to our match venues, to enjoy themselves and participate actively on game days. If we all play our part, our people will be happy, and when there is happiness, there is peace and tranquility,” he emphasized.
The workshop brings together Safety and Security Officers from all 18 Premier League clubs, members of the GFA Security Committee, and 16 Regional Sports Police Officers. Participants will receive intensive training on CAF Safety and Security Regulations, Accreditation and Access Control, Crowd Management, and matchday security protocols.
Instruction is being led by CAF security experts Xololi Nokithula Vilakati from Eswatini and Sylvanus Obi from Nigeria.
The Safe Stadium Initiative is part of CAF’s continent-wide effort to standardize safety measures and prevent stadium-related tragedies. The aim is to ensure every football event from domestic league matches to continental competitions is staged in a secure environment.
Declaring the workshop open, Okraku expressed optimism that participants would carry the knowledge gained back to their clubs and regions.
“I pray that during the time we spend here, you will take everything that is shared, and when you return to your clubs and regions, you will deliver the same to your people. Together, we can guarantee that football in Ghana and across Africa is enjoyed in a safe and peaceful atmosphere.”
