GFA’s Director IT Francis Adu eyes full data control as CMS expands to grassroots football

Ghana Football Association (GFA) Director of IT, Francis Adu, has outlined his long-term vision to fully integrate the Competition Management System (CMS) across all levels of football in the country, revealing how the platform is already transforming match administration and data tracking.

The CMS has become a key tool in the FA’s digital transformation, improving coordination between clubs, referees, and match officials while enhancing the speed and accuracy of match-related data.

“The Competition Management System has been very helpful to us. My vision is to extend it fully to the juvenile level so that, at the end of every season, with just a click of a button, we can determine the total number of matches played in Ghana under the FA, the number of goals scored—from juvenile to the Premier League—as well as the number of yellow and red cards. Gradually, we are getting there,” he said on GFA Podcast hosted by Patrick Akoto.

Beyond data tracking, Adu explained that the system has simplified matchday operations, allowing key stakeholders to perform their duties remotely and efficiently.

“With the CMS, clubs, referees, and match commissioners all have access. During matches, clubs can sit comfortably at their secretariats and make their selections. Referees also have access and can submit their reports immediately after games. The system is linked to our website, so once referees complete their reports, it is automatically published,” he added.

Currently, the system is being used across multiple tiers of Ghana football, marking a significant step toward full nationwide coverage.

“Currently, the Premier League, Division One League, Women’s Premier League, Division Two across all regions, and some Division Three leagues have started using it this season. We are gradually extending it down to the juvenile level,” he noted.

Adu’s vision reflects the GFA’s broader ambition to build a comprehensive football database that captures every aspect of the game, from grassroots competitions to elite leagues, ultimately strengthening planning, transparency, and decision-making in Ghana football.