Ghanaian football giants Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko have issued a joint statement calling for sweeping reforms in the management and security of the Ghana Premier League.
The two most successful clubs in the country have outlined key demands aimed at improving the league’s governance, security, and financial structure.
Their statement, released on Friday, proposes that the running of the league be taken away from the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and handed over to an autonomous, independent body “as soon as possible” to ensure efficiency and professionalism.
Key Demands by Hearts & Kotoko: Independent League Management – Transfer control of the Ghana Premier League from the GFA to an autonomous body for better governance.
Strict Venue Standards – Matches should only be played at stadiums that meet standard requirements, ensuring player and fan safety.
Increased TV Rights Revenue – Both clubs are pushing for a greater share of broadcasting revenue to benefit clubs financially.
Enhanced Security at Matches – A minimum of 100 police officers should be present at Category A and B matches, while Category A games should also have at least 20 military personnel.
Neutral Security Deployment – Police and military personnel deployed for league matches should not be drawn from the locality of the game to prevent bias or influence.
Representation on GFA Executive Council – Kotoko and Hearts want automatic representation on the GFA Exco, ensuring top clubs have a direct say in decision-making.
Other Proposals – Additional reforms to improve officiating, match organization, and club welfare.
This strong stance from Ghana’s two biggest clubs follows recent violent incidents in the league, including the tragic events at the Nsoatreman vs. Asante Kotoko match, which resulted in the loss of life.
Hearts and Kotoko believe these measures will not only improve the quality of the league but also restore confidence in its administration and security.
It remains to be seen how the GFA and other stakeholders will respond to these demands, but the pressure from Ghana’s two most influential clubs could signal a turning point for football governance in the country.
Below is the joint statement of Kotoko and Hearts;
