Sports
GH¢1 million for ‘the pocke
THE commencement of a new football season brings joy to football fans across the globe.
The fans are assured of quality game time on television or at the stadium watching the games live.
In the advance countries where football is managed like big business, that joy permeates into boardrooms of the various clubs because of the huge sums of money to hit the team’s account from sources like sponsorships, television rights and others.
The situation is similar here in Ghana where we have the Ghana Premier League (GPL).
The start of the season makes everyone happy but not for the earlier reasons cited.
They are only happy because they would start earning some peanuts from the gates to pay meagre salaries and allowances of players.
Characteristically, the league starts on a competitive note with every team striving to be considered a top force.
But, after sometime, that competition disappears and the reason is obvious – players unpaid for months and are playing on empty stomachs.
The situation makes it more difficult for the club owners, whose hopes of earning some ‘coins’ from the game proceeds, ends up as fiction and fantasies with a lot of fans developing the penchant to go to the stadium for free or using other means to gain entry.
To make matters worse for the clubs, the affluent who can afford an entire season ticket gain entry to the stadium with companions, all wielding complimentary cards; denying clubs the money to pay players.
However, the FA’s announcement of the disbursement of a total of GH₵18 million to the 18 GPL clubs would no doubt correct some of these challenges clubs face.
Courtesy a landmark partnership with Adesa Productions Limited, FA President, Kurt Okraku, announced the new deal that cushions Premier League clubs with a million each, an amount promised to be paid before the start of the season.
That support would no doubt enhance club operations, improve player welfare and raise overall competitiveness.
The move must be hailed by all. Forget about the beliefs and thoughts in some quarters that it was Okraku’s reward for the GPL clubs for endorsing the new three-term presidency of the FA.
It will no doubt be a huge legacy every FA President would work hard to improve upon or sustain.
Firmly in the accounts of the respective clubs, it is important that the FA and Professional Footballers Association of Ghana (PFAG) monitor the disbursement or use of this money.
They must ensure that the reason for the gesture was realised so that the funds are not spent of new vehicles, new phones and other accessories.
With improved salaries or allowances, I am sure it would affect teams and individual performances, stretching to improve the competitiveness of the competition and eventually, attract more corporate sector players.
By Andrew Nortey
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
Boxer Ernest Akushey, popularly known in the ring as “Bahubali,” has died.
His management, Team Dickson, announced his passing in a statement on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.
According to the team, the boxer died in the early hours of the day. Details about the cause of death were not immediately provided.
“Bahubali was a true warrior and a credit to the sport of boxing,” Team Dickson said.
The statement added that his courage and spirit inspired many, especially during his most recent fight on September 12, 2025.
“I am heartbroken by this news. He will be remembered not only for his incredible talent but also for the dignity and class he showed both inside and outside the ring. My thoughts are with his family as they navigate this profound loss,” the statement read.
Team Dickson extended its condolences to Akushey’s family, friends and fans.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
Hearts of Oak secured their first victory of the Premier League campaign with a hard-fought 1–0 away win over Dreams FC on Monday, ending a six-game winless run against the side.
Midfielder Hussein Mohammed struck the decisive goal in the 13th minute at the Nii Adjei Kraku Sports Complex in Tema New Town, calmly finishing to give the Phobians an early lead.
The visitors showed renewed determination after last weekend’s frustrating goalless draw with newly promoted Hohoe United.
Dreams, seeking a response following their opening-day defeat to Heart of Lions, grew into the contest after conceding and dominated possession for long spells. However, Hearts’ disciplined back line, marshalled superbly throughout the afternoon, kept the home side at bay.
Head coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani will take encouragement from his team’s defensive organisation and resilience as they absorbed sustained pressure to preserve their narrow advantage. The victory not only snapped Hearts’ six-match winless streak against Dreams but also handed the hosts their first home defeat since December 2024, when they lost to Asante Kotoko.
With the result, Hearts of Oak climb to four points from their opening two matches, while Dreams remain without a point after back-to-back defeats.
Midfield anchor Raphael Amponsah, instrumental in shielding the defence and dictating play, was deservedly named Man of the Match.
