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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Asante Kotoko SC has announced with deep sadness the passing of its former Brands and Marketing Manager, Kweku Hammond.
In a statement released by the club, Kotoko described Hammond’s death as untimely and expressed heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones.
“Although his time with the club was brief, Kweku served with dedication, diligence, and unwavering commitment to Asante Kotoko,” the club stated. “His contributions and loyalty to the club will not be forgotten.”
Kweku Hammond served in the club’s Brands and Marketing department, where he played a role in promoting the Porcupine Warriors’ brand and engaging supporters.
The club assured that it will continue to honour his memory and legacy.
“May his soul rest in perfect peace,” the statement concluded.
Fans and members of the football fraternity have since joined the club in mourning, sharing tributes to Hammond for his professionalism and commitment during his time at club.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Captain of Ghana’s National U-15 Boys team, Abdul Aziz Issa, says the exposure gained at the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival 2026 in Azerbaijan will be vital for the development of the squad.
Ghana finished 7th out of 189 countries after an impressive campaign, winning eight of ten matches.
“I think we played well, the exposure was good for our development, and we can’t thank FIFA and the GFA enough for this amazing platform,” Issa said.
“I’m so very happy to be part of this FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival 2026 in Azerbaijan. I want to thank my colleagues for how far we have brought Ghana in this tournament.”
The captain believes the experience will prepare the group for future challenges at U-17 and U-20 level.
Ghana enjoyed an outstanding tournament, scoring 44 goals and establishing themselves among the top seven teams.
Their dominant group stage saw them score 27 goals while conceding just three. Salifu Fatawu’s side opened with a commanding 4-1 win over Uzbekistan, thrashed Myanmar 7-1, recorded emphatic 7-0 wins over Guam and the Bahamas, before rounding off the group with a 2-1 triumph over Kazakhstan.
Their pursuit of a higher finish suffered a setback in the knockout phase after elimination by Paraguay in a dramatic encounter.
The team bounced back to finish 7th, including a commanding 4-0 victory over Colombia in their final game, despite suffering a 7-1 defeat to Brazil in the Tier A Ranking Play-Offs.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
