Ghana’s football giants, Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko, have joined forces to advocate for sweeping reforms in the management and organization of the Ghana Premier League.
The two clubs, known for their fierce rivalry, have temporarily set aside their differences to address key issues affecting the league’s growth, professionalism, and safety.
The joint statement follows growing calls for change, catalysed by the tragic death of a fan during the recent Kotoko versus Nsoatreman match in Nsoatre.
The incident has intensified calls for reforms to improve the league’s standards and prevent future tragedies.
The key demands outlined by the clubs include:
- Autonomous League Management: The clubs are calling for the league to be run independently of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) by an autonomous body, citing the need for greater transparency and efficiency in league operations.
- Stadium Standards: Hearts of Oak and Kotoko are pushing for stricter standards for stadiums hosting league matches, demanding that only venues meeting top-tier football requirements be used for games to improve both fan and player experiences.
- Increased TV Rights Revenue: The clubs are seeking a larger share of TV rights revenue to be allocated to participating teams. This, they argue, would provide clubs with the financial resources necessary to enhance their competitiveness and invest in infrastructure.
- Enhanced Security Measures: The clubs are calling for improved security at matches, including the deployment of at least 100 police officers at Category A and B games, with an additional 20 military personnel for Category A matches. They also insist that security personnel be sourced from outside the match locality to avoid potential conflicts of interest.
- Automatic GFA Executive Council Representation: Hearts of Oak and Kotoko are requesting direct representation on the GFA Executive Council, arguing that their stature as the country’s most successful and popular clubs warrants a seat at the decision-making table.
This rare alliance between the two clubs represents a pivotal moment in Ghanaian football.
Their demands reflect broader concerns from stakeholders about the league’s governance, financial stability, and safety.
The clubs’ push for reforms highlights the pressing need for change in the league’s management and operations.
As the football community waits for a response from the Ghana Football Association (GFA), the joint statement by Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko could signal the beginning of a new era for Ghanaian football, focused on reform, modernisation, and growth.
