Accra Lions FC has expressed deep concern over the declining state of Ghanaian football, drawing attention to critical issues they believe threaten the future of the sport.
The club described the current challenges as a pivotal moment, urging immediate reforms to revive professionalism, transparency, and integrity in domestic football.
Their concerns stem from what they see as worsening conditions in the Ghana Premier League, which they argue reflect broader struggles in the country’s football ecosystem.
In a statement, the club highlighted their dissatisfaction with the league’s lack of a sponsor and the absence of a television rights deal, pointing to these issues as key factors eroding the league’s credibility and appeal.
“We are now in our fourth season in Ghana’s top division, and unfortunately, we must admit that the conditions are steadily deteriorating,” the statement read.
Accra Lions also criticized the inconsistent refereeing standards and questioned the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) accountability. They warned that without addressing these issues, the league risks becoming unattractive to sponsors and fans.
“How can the league attract sponsors again if refereeing performances like yesterday’s become the norm, and any criticism is immediately silenced by the association?” the club asked, underscoring a perceived culture of unaccountability.
The club further accused the GFA of neglecting pressing concerns and leaving many issues unresolved, which they argue is eroding public trust and damaging the sport’s integrity.
Linking domestic challenges to Ghana’s struggles on the international stage, Accra Lions questioned whether the current Premier League environment fosters the growth of young players capable of competing internationally.
“We remain committed to developing young talent, but we must ask whether the current conditions in the Ghana Premier League provide a healthy environment for nurturing a winning mentality and proper sporting spirit,” the statement added.
Reaffirming their dedication to fair play, the club pledged to collaborate with any group or organization working to reform and improve the sport in Ghana.
“We are committed to standing by the principles of fair play and speaking truth to power. We will join hands with any group striving to make football cleaner and more competitive,” the statement concluded.