As part of the Elite U15 Boys Colts Championship, selected players and officials from across Ghana’s regions have benefitted from an intensive anti-doping education session designed to raise awareness about clean sport and substance use in football.
The session, held at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence, was led by Dr. Eric Tetteh Ayertey, a member of the GFA’s Medical Committee and one of the competition’s medical leads. He guided participants through the global fight against doping, the principle of strict liability that makes athletes responsible for everything they consume, and the importance of protecting both health and careers.
Highly interactive in nature, the educative programme encouraged young players and officials to discuss the real-life challenges faced by athletes, including the use of energy drinks, supplements, and other substances that may unknowingly contain banned ingredients. Using practical examples from international football and the Olympic movement, Dr. Ayertey illustrated the dangers of doping and the consequences of violating anti-doping rules.
He emphasized that anti-doping awareness is just as vital as technical training for players at this formative stage. “Anti-doping is about more than sanctions. It is about protecting the health of young athletes, safeguarding their future, and ensuring that Ghanaian football is built on integrity and fair play,” he noted.
The initiative reflects the GFA’s strong commitment to safeguarding athletes and aligning its practices with FIFA and WADA standards. By embedding anti-doping education into its youth development programmes, the Association is ensuring that the next generation of Ghanaian footballers is equipped with the knowledge, discipline, and values required to compete cleanly and confidently on the global stage.
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