Kotoko IMC Chairman Calls for Swift Implementation of an Autonomous Ghana Premier League
The Chairman of Asante Kotoko’s Interim Management Committee (IMC), Nana Apinkra, has urged the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, to take immediate steps toward implementing an autonomous Ghana Premier League (GPL). Asante Kotoko, in collaboration with Hearts of Oak, submitted a proposal to the Ghana Football Association (GFA), advocating for the league’s independence to enhance its structure and operations. During a meeting with the Sports Minister, Apinkra emphasized the importance of acting swiftly rather than relying on temporary measures such as press statements, which often fail to yield lasting changes. He stressed that if the league continues to be managed under the current system without significant reforms, it will remain stagnant and ineffective. Apinkra’s appeal reflects the growing frustration among football stakeholders who believe an independent league would foster better governance and competitiveness.
Beyond the need for autonomy, Apinkra also raised concerns about the financial difficulties faced by football clubs in Ghana. One of the critical issues he highlighted was the high taxation burden on clubs, particularly the Value Added Tax (VAT) and other deductions. While the entertainment industry enjoys a flat VAT rate of 3%, football clubs are taxed at nearly 18%, with additional deductions amounting to around 40%. According to Apinkra, these excessive costs put clubs at a financial disadvantage, making it difficult for them to operate efficiently. He also pointed out that clubs using national stadiums face higher financial constraints compared to those with private venues, further increasing operational challenges. Apinkra urged the government to review these financial policies and create a more favorable economic environment for clubs, which would enable them to thrive and contribute more effectively to the country’s football development.
The urgency of these reforms has been amplified by recent incidents highlighting security and governance concerns in the GPL. The tragic stabbing of a well-known Asante Kotoko supporter, “Nana Pooley,” in Nsoatre has intensified calls for better management and safety measures in the league. This incident has further fueled the demand for a structured and autonomous league system that prioritizes the welfare of fans, players, and clubs. With major clubs like Kotoko and Hearts of Oak pushing for change, the pressure on the GFA and the Sports Ministry to implement the autonomous GPL is growing. Football stakeholders believe that granting independence to the league will not only improve its administration but also attract better investment opportunities, enhance competition, and create a more sustainable football ecosystem in Ghana.
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