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
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Management of Asempa FM has issued a public apology to the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Kofi Adams, after wrongly quoting him in a recent publication about the selection of players for the Black Stars.
In a statement released by the station’s management, Asempa FM admitted that a quote card shared after Kofi Adams’ interview on Ultimate Sports Show on 13th October 2025 misrepresented his actual remarks.
According to the station, the error created a wrong impression that the Sports Minister was directly involved in selecting players for the national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“The wording on the artwork may have created a misleading impression. For clarity, the Honorable Minister stated that the final decision on player selection rests solely with the technical team, and he emphasized the importance of transparency and merit-based selection,” the statement said.
Asempa FM expressed deep regret for the misrepresentation and apologized to Kofi Adams and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
The management further assured the public that the station would take steps to ensure greater accuracy and care in its future communications.
“We hold Kofi Adams and his office in the highest regard and deeply regret any inconvenience or misunderstanding caused,” the statement concluded.
By: Jacob Aggrey
When Otto Addo took charge, Ghana sat fourth in Group I with just three points from two matches — a situation that seemed daunting for even the most optimistic fans. But what followed was one of the most remarkable turnarounds in African World Cup qualifying history.
Addo’s arrival brought renewed tactical clarity and belief. He restructured the team’s shape, redefined roles, and instilled discipline in both defense and attack. The results began to flow as Ghana went on an astonishing run of victories.
The coach’s calm leadership was crucial in restoring confidence to key players who had lost form. Veterans found new motivation, while youngsters flourished under his guidance, creating a perfect blend of maturity and energy.
Each win became a statement of intent — that Ghana was back. The team’s comeback victories over tough opponents like Mali and Central African Republic showed resilience and mental fortitude.
By the end of the campaign, the Black Stars had climbed from fourth to first, topping the group with 25 points and a +17-goal difference — a clear testament to Otto Addo’s transformational leadership.
This turnaround will go down in Ghana’s football annals as a story of hope, determination, and tactical brilliance that brought the nation back to the world stage.
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