CAF 2nd Vice-President and Football Association President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, officially opened the CAF Safe Stadium Initiative workshop at the GFA Headquarters in Accra, launching a three-day program aimed at strengthening stadium safety and security in the country and across African football.
In his opening remarks, President Simeon-Okraku welcomed participants on behalf of CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, stressing the importance of creating secure environments for all 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 said. “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.”
Reflecting on Ghana’s own painful history of stadium tragedies, including the 2001 Accra Sports Stadium disaster, the President urged participants to pay close attention to the lessons provided.
“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 further called on participants to share their newly acquired knowledge with colleagues and matchday personnel, particularly security officers and club officials, to help build lasting confidence among fans.
“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. Over the three days, participants will receive intensive training on CAF Safety and Security Regulations, Accreditation and Access Control, Crowd Management Techniques and Pre-, During- and Post-Match Security Protocols
Instruction is being led by Xololi Nokithula Vilakati (Eswatini) and Sylvanus Obi (Nigeria), both recognized CAF security experts.
The CAF Safe Stadium Initiative is part of a continent-wide effort to standardize safety measures and prevent stadium-related tragedies. CAF aims to ensure that every football event from domestic league matches to continental competitions, is hosted in a secure environment.
Declaring the workshop officially open, President Simeon-Okraku expressed optimism that participants would become ambassadors of safety across Ghana’s football ecosystem:
“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.”
With the increasing popularity and huge interest in football events, the continental body is also increasing its efforts to create safe and secure events for fans, teams, and various stakeholders of the game.
GFA Communications
