Sports Minister Throws Down Gauntlet to GPL Clubs Ahead of New Season
Ghana’s Sports and Recreation Minister, Kofi Iddie Adams, has challenged Ghana Premier League clubs to stop treating the competition as merely a race for points and trophies, insisting that they must do more to make the league a product supporters can be proud of.
With the 2026/27 season set to begin on Saturday, September 5, Adams said the new campaign presents an opportunity for clubs and other stakeholders to raise the standards of the domestic game.
“Our league remains one of the most important foundations of Ghana football. It is where talent is discovered, careers are built, communities find identity and generations of supporters develop their love for the game,” the Minister said in a goodwill message issued by his Ministry.
But Minister’ message went beyond congratulating the 18 participating clubs. He challenged them to give fans stronger reasons to return to stadiums and help make the league more attractive to sponsors, broadcasters, investors and families.
He urged clubs to improve the matchday experience, tell the stories of their players more effectively and build stronger brands, arguing that the growth of the Premier League depends on improvements both on and off the pitch.
‘The League Needs You’
The Minister also placed responsibility on supporters, calling on them to bring the colour and passion associated with Ghanaian football while ensuring that stadiums remain safe.
“The league needs you,” Adams said, urging fans to embrace healthy rivalry and respect one another.
His statement come as the Premier League prepares to welcome three debutants. Debibi United, Port City FC and FC AshantiGold 04 have secured promotion to the top flight and will bring new communities and supporters into the competition.
“Your promotion brings new communities, new supporters and new stories into our Premier League,” Adams told the newcomers.
Defending champions Medeama SC were also congratulated for their title-winning campaign last season.
The Minister had a separate message for the players, reminding them that the Premier League is an important platform for career development and national inspiration.
“This is your stage. Play with ambition. Play with discipline. Express your talent and give the supporters football worth remembering,” he said.
Match officials, meanwhile, were urged to protect the credibility of the competition by making fairness, professionalism, consistency and integrity the guiding principles of their work.
Adams said the government remains committed to working with the Ghana Football Association, Security Services and other stakeholders to create conditions that will allow the domestic game to grow and attract investment.
The new season kicks off with Vision FC hosting Young Apostles FC on Saturday, before the remaining opening-round fixtures are played on Sunday.
For the Minister, however, the real test will not simply be which club lifts the trophy next May, but whether the league can become a stronger and more attractive football product for everyone involved.