Ghana U15 national team coach Fatawu Salifu has shared his heartfelt appreciation for the Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Kurt Okraku, highlighting how his efforts are reshaping the future of football coaching in Ghana.
Fatawu explained that under Okraku’s leadership, there has been a strong focus on improving the skills and qualifications of football coaches across all levels. This new emphasis on coach development means coaches like him receive better training, resources, and support to guide young talents effectively. The coach recalled past challenges where lack of proper mentorship limited growth, but now the atmosphere is different—more hopeful and inspiring.
According to him, the turning point came when President Okraku introduced programs that offer continuous education and workshops for coaches.
Fatawu described how these initiatives created a buzz among coaches nationwide, leading to a more professional and passionate coaching community. This change, he believes, will impact Ghana’s football success for years to come. At the story’s close, Fatawu expressed confidence that with such visionary leadership, the Ghana Football Association is on the right path to producing not just great players, but also excellent coaches.
This, he concluded, will elevate Ghanaian football to new heights and inspire the next generation of stars.
The former Heart of Lions coach was among the four coaches who were sent to Wales in February to participate in the UEFA B Licence Coaching Course organised by the Football Association of Wales, as part of an ongoing technical partnership with the Ghana Football Association.
BACKGROUND OF FATAWU SALIFU
Salifu Fatawu’s story begins in Bolgatanga, where he first played for Bolga Juventus. It was the early 2000s, and as a passionate player, he helped his team rise to Division 1 by 2008.
While still active on the field, Fatawu took his first step into coaching by completing an introductory course in 2005. This blend of playing and learning hinted at a future beyond just being a footballer. As the years passed, Fatawu’s ambitions grew.
After qualifying Bolga Juventus to Division 1, he pursued more coaching education—earning an Intermediate coaching certificate at Weneba Sports College, followed by Licence C in 2010, Licence B in 2013 at Prampram, Licence A in 2016 at Opoku Ware Kumasi, and eventually the UEFA B license in the UK. His dedication to continuous learning set him apart and prepared him for new challenges.
Fatawu’s coaching career blossomed as he led numerous clubs, including Bolga Juventus, Samba Stars, Noweapon FC, FC Tanga, Tamale Utretch, Swedru All Blacks and many others, always striving to elevate teams to higher divisions.
His work with youth academies and Senior High Schools (Bolga SHS Girls and Boys Coach) further showed his commitment to developing young talent in football.
His coaching excellence earned him a role with the Ghana Black Satellites as assistant coach from 2019 to 2025. During this time, the team won the WAFU Cup in 2020, won the U20 African Cup in Mauritania as assistant coach to Karim Zito in 2021, African Games in 2022/2023, and earned medals at subsequent WAFU tournaments. He has also been a scout to Right To Dream Academy from 2007 till now.
Today, Fatawu Salifu is the head coach of Ghana’s U15 boys team, the Black Comets, continuing to inspire the next generation. From the dusty fields of Bolgatanga to international coaching success, his story is one of perseverance, growth, and passion for football at every level.
