In a groundbreaking move, Ghanaian football giants Accra Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko have joined forces to issue a joint statement calling for sweeping reforms in the administration and management of the Ghana Premier League. The two clubs, historically fierce rivals, have set aside their differences to push for changes aimed at improving the quality, safety, and professionalism of the league.
The demands, outlined in the joint statement, include:
1. Autonomous League Management: The clubs are calling for the running of the league to be taken away from the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and handed over to an independent, autonomous management body “as soon as possible.” This move, they argue, would ensure greater transparency and efficiency in the league’s administration.
2. Stadium Standards : Hearts of Oak and Kotoko are demanding that league matches no longer be held at stadiums that do not meet the required standards for hosting top-tier football games. This is aimed at improving the quality of matchday experiences for fans and players alike.
3. Increased TV Rights Revenue: The two clubs are pushing for a higher percentage of TV rights revenue to be allocated to participating teams. They believe this will provide clubs with the financial resources needed to compete at a higher level and invest in their infrastructure.
4. Enhanced Security Measures: To ensure the safety of players, officials, and fans, the clubs are calling for a minimum of 100 police personnel at Category A and B games, with an additional 20 military personnel deployed for Category A matches. They also insist that security personnel should not be drawn from the locality of the match to prevent potential bias or conflicts of interest.
5. Automatic GFA Executive Council Representation: Hearts of Oak and Kotoko are demanding automatic representation on the GFA Executive Committee, arguing that their status as the country’s most successful and popular clubs warrants a direct voice in decision-making processes.
The joint statement marks a significant moment in Ghanaian football, as the two most storied clubs in the country have come together to advocate for change. Their demands reflect growing concerns among stakeholders about the state of the league, including issues of governance, financial sustainability, and safety.
Fans and analysts have welcomed the move, with many expressing hope that the collaboration between Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko will pressure the GFA and other stakeholders to implement much-needed reforms. The clubs’ united front underscores their commitment to elevating the standard of football in Ghana and ensuring the league’s long-term success.
As the football community awaits a response from the GFA, the joint statement by Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko has set the stage for what could be a transformative period in Ghanaian football.
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Story by Penty Dzidzor Newton|univers.ug.edu.gh
