Sports
What’s cause of pitiable patronage of our league?
Generally, poor attendance at local games in the country has been a huge cause of concern over the years.
The saturnine situation, however, appears to be going from bad to worst – particularly since last year, in the wake of the economic downturn the nation is experiencing at the moment.
Though the passion for the game may still be high, one may have to put a few figures together – work out the permutations, before considering either to go for a game or not.
Aside from the pecuniary concerns, however, the poor maintenance of our pitches, is driving lots of fans away from the game because quality play is compromised.
Somewhere last year, we were told by the National Sports Authority (NSA) that the Accra Sports Stadium was going to be unavailable for the Premier League Clubs that use the facility only for it to be rented out for other purposes – and its attendant pitch obliterations.
Affected clubs were subsequently asked to look for alternatives. Though partly a cause, that may not be the reason for the massive dispiriting patronage we have witnessed in games, of late.
To some extent, the performance of the senior national team (Black Stars) at the recently-ended World Cup tournament in Qatar, could be having a toll on the league.
The Stars were kicked out in the opening round of the campaign, winning a game and losing two. It was the team’s second consecutive calamitous first round exit – following the 2014 disturbing episode in Brazil.
Had Ghana glowed in Qatar, the performance would have rubbed off on the nation’s league. The zeal, enthusiasm, passion and avidity of the fans would have rocketed through the roof.
Some ardent followers of the domestic game are also blaming the low attendance at match venues to e-ticketing.
They say a good number of the fans are not particularly enthused about the electronic system and are ready to pay cash at the gate to secure their seats.
However, the Chief Executive Officer of E-Ticketing, George Festus Mensah, has rubbished such claims, insisting that various match venues were recording very poor attendance long ago.
“Those blaming poor attendance on our services should first ask themselves what were clubs revenue before the introduction of e-tickets and after the service was introduced.
“We should check the time games are played; sometimes we schedule games at 3pm during working days, whilst fixtures are also changed without proper communication. There are times match venues are changed without proper plans,” the E-Ticketing CEO proposed.
Mr Mensah cannot be far from right, and we may need clubs to further educate their fans on the dynamics of the E-ticketing and how it has come to stop corruption at the gates.
Be that as it may, it is imperative for the game’s stakeholders to come together and figure out what really the problem is in a bid to proffer a lasting solution.
Having seen a near-full capacity crowd in the game between Bibiani Goldstars and Aduana Stars on Monday suggests that it is not an all-too disconcerting situation. It can be better if we find a way of promoting the league whilst we work industriously towards improving on the quality of our pitches.
PlainTalk with John Vigah
Sports
Black Starlets arrives in Morocco on U-17 AFCON mission …FA boss charges team to make Ghana proud
The Black Starlets, the national U-17 male team, have safely arrived in Casablanca ahead of the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The team departed Accra on Wednesday, travelling with a 35-man contingent made up of 21 players and 14 officials, all focused on delivering a strong campaign on the continental stage.
They completed a smooth five-hour flight to Morocco, where final preparations will continue before the tournament kicks off.
The technical team is expected to fine-tune tactics and build cohesion among the squad as they gear up for the competition.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Mr Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, was present at the Accra International Airport to bid farewell to the team.
Speaking during a brief farewell at the Airport, the FA President urged the team to carry a ‘never say die’ spirit into the competition.
President Simeon-Okraku emphasised the importance of mental strength and unity, particularly in difficult moments during matches. His message was inspired by the team’s recent friendly encounters against Cote d’Ivoire, where they bounced back strongly after an initial defeat.
“I’m very happy that when you lost to Cote d’Ivoire in your first game during your friendly matches, you were able to bounce back—not only to dominate but to outscore them in the second game,” he said. “I read a lot of meaning into that, and I want all of you to keep that in your heads—that, it’s not over until it’s all over,” he added.
The FA president stressed that the ability to respond positively to setbacks would be crucial in a tournament as competitive as the AFCON.
He encouraged the players to stay united and support one another when the pressure intensifies on the continental stage.
“When the chips are down, that’s when we need to hold each other together,” Okraku added. “So go out there and make Ghana proud.”
Ghana will compete in Group D alongside Algeria, Senegal, and South Africa, with their opening match scheduled for Thursday, May 14.
Twenty-three (23) players have been called up for this month’s international friendly against Mexico.
The squad is composed of star players from the domestic league and European leagues who are closely monitored by Coach Carlos Queiroz, as well as U-23 players who will soon represent Ghana in the upcoming Olympic Games qualifiers.
Notable names include Majeed Ashimeru, Felix Afena-Gyan, Razak Simpson, and Birmingham City’s Ibrahim Osman.
Ashimeru returns to action after a long spell on the sidelines due to a muscle injury that limited his appearances at both club and national level.
Also in the team is Felix Afena-Gyan, whose last appearance for Ghana was in May last year when he featured against Trinidad and Tobago in the Unity Cup in London.
Barcelona B’s Abdul Aziz Issah, Ebenezer Annan of AS Saint-Étienne, Ibrahim Osman of Birmingham City, and Paul Reverson of Ajax FC have also been included in the squad.
Midfielder Salim Adams, one of the key players for Ghana Premier League leaders Medeama SC, leads the group of home-based players.
Others are Heart of Lions’ Ebenezer Abban, Ebenezer Adade of Dreams FC, and Nations FC captain Razak Simpson. Ghana will travel to Mexico for the international friendly on Friday, May 22, 2026.
