The Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Alhassan S. Shaibu, has sounded a clarion call for the resurgence of local football in Ghana, highlighting the urgent need to reinvigorate the domestic league amidst the overwhelming popularity of foreign competitions such as the Premier League and La Liga.
In an exclusive meeting between The Business Africa Consulting Group (BAC Group) and Alhaji Alhassan S. Shaibu, as part of preparations towards the All Star Festival which comes off in Tamale in June, the Minister remarked, “Ghana football will not be the same if our local teams are not performing. People are interested in watching the foreign leagues like the Premier League and La Liga.”
His observation underscores a pressing reality facing Ghanaian football – the growing allure of international leagues at the expense of domestic competitions because the local teams are performing poorly especially in Continental competitions.
Indeed, the influx of televised matches from prestigious foreign leagues has captured the imagination and attention of football enthusiasts across the nation, drawing attention away from local clubs and dampening the fervor for domestic football.
As a result, attendance at local matches has dwindled at some league venues, and the once-thriving ecosystem of grassroots football now face significant challenges.
Alhaji Alhassan S. Shaibu’s concern for the performance of local teams reflects a broader recognition of the importance of domestic football in nurturing talent, fostering community engagement, and promoting national pride.
To raise and maintain the standard of Ghana football, our pitches and other football facilities need massive facelifts, players must be paid well to avoid player exodus, and good sponsorship deals need to be secured to make the local league attractive.
Concerted efforts are needed from all stakeholders – including government, the Football Association, corporate partners, and fans – to invest in infrastructure, talent development programs, and marketing initiatives that promote local leagues and elevate the profile of Ghanaian football.
