Accra Hearts of Oak interim Management Committee (IMC) Lead Administrator Vincent Sowah Odotei says the Ghana Premier League is losing supporters because it no longer provides enough entertainment.
Attendances have fallen in recent seasons, leaving clubs facing declining matchday income as interest in the domestic competition continues to weaken.
Odotei believes the league must offer more excitement if it is to persuade fans to return to stadiums. Speaking to Joy Sports, he said football should be viewed primarily as an entertainment product.
“Our football is not fit for purpose. Our football is not entertaining. In football, we’re not in the business of football; we’re in the entertainment business through it,” he said.
“Football is a drama. You need actors, you need stars that people will want to come and watch.”
The experienced football administrator said the shortage of charismatic players with a strong appeal among supporters was a major factor behind the reduced crowds.
He compared the current situation with previous generations, when popular Hearts of Oak players attracted fans from the communities where they lived and played.
“People came to watch Hearts of Oak because of Shamo Quaye and Ablade Kumah. They came from Tema, their community. You go to Newtown, Anas Seidu. You go to Mamprobi, Stephen Appiah and co. That’s where they come from,” he explained.
Odotei said those players created a direct bond between the club, its footballers and local supporters. He believes that connection is largely absent from the modern Ghana Premier League.
“We don’t have that in our football. We are not providing the entertainment, so naturally, people will go to leagues that provide entertainment,” he added.
His comments come as stakeholders continue to consider how interest in Ghana’s top division can be rebuilt.
Proposals under discussion include stronger marketing of the competition, improved playing conditions, better broadcasting and increased investment in developing players.
With clubs and football authorities looking for ways to improve stadium attendances, Odotei believes the league’s recovery depends on providing more attractive football and producing local players who can become recognisable figures for supporters.
He argues that restoring the competition’s appeal will require clubs to rebuild the relationship between their teams and the communities they represent.
