Low Pay and Poor Coverage Drive Ghanaian Footballers to Leagues Abroad, Says Former Star
Former Ghana Premier League (GPL) star Yahaya Mohammed has voiced his disappointment over the declining appeal of the league, citing poor player remuneration, weak broadcasting quality, and a lack of sponsorship as core issues.
In an interview with Asempa FM, Mohammed expressed concern that the league is failing to retain talent and attract sponsors, with more players leaving Ghana’s top league to pursue opportunities in countries like Rwanda and Ethiopia. These leagues, he noted, offer significantly better financial packages and incentives, making them increasingly appealing for Ghanaian players seeking stability and growth in their careers.
“Sponsors are no longer interested because the Premier League has lost its charm,” he remarked. Mohammed recalled a time when top brands were eager to be associated with Ghanaian football, pointing out that even Coca-Cola had once shown interest in supporting Ghanaian tournaments. Today, however, the GPL has struggled to secure a major sponsor, especially since betPawa, its primary sponsor, withdrew mid-season last year. This loss of sponsorship has left the league financially unstable and unable to offer competitive player wages.
Mohammed highlighted that the exodus of players is compounded by inadequate television coverage, which has failed to meet professional standards. Poor broadcasting quality, he argued, harms the league's image and discourages corporate sponsorship, as televised games are crucial for exposure and engagement. “The TV coverage isn’t up to standard, and these issues are pushing the corporate world away from investing in the Premier League,” he explained.
He stressed that broadcasting quality is a pivotal factor in the success of any professional league, as high-quality coverage not only enhances the league’s visibility but also plays a key role in attracting and retaining sponsors.
Mohammed’s remarks underline a growing concern in Ghanaian football about the GPL’s ability to remain competitive on the African continent. As more players choose to leave for better financial opportunities elsewhere, the league faces the dual challenge of improving conditions to retain talent and rebuilding relationships with sponsors to ensure long-term stability.
For many in the Ghanaian football community, Mohammed’s words resonate as a call to action to reinvest in the GPL, focusing on player welfare, professional broadcasting, and strategic partnerships with corporate sponsors. Without these improvements, the league risks losing even more talent and further eroding its standing in African football.
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