Former Black Stars head coach Charles Kwablan Akonnor has issued a heartfelt plea to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to take decisive steps toward improving the standards of the Ghana Premier League, following a turbulent 2024/25 season.
Speaking to Citi Sports, Akonnor highlighted the urgent need for reforms to restore integrity and professionalism in the local game—especially in the wake of a tragic season that saw a fan lose their life, widespread fan unrest, and numerous complaints about poor officiating and gamesmanship.
“It has to be better. We can do better,” Akonnor emphasized. “We’ve come a long way, you know, and if we have it, dealing with other professionals, where will be our next generation of players?”
Akonnor, who previously managed Asante Kotoko, stressed the foundational role the local league plays in shaping Ghana’s footballing future, urging stakeholders to take issues like time-wasting and tactical stalling seriously.
“It’s always from our local league, so we need to improve that aspect—the way they delay when an opponent is leading as a tactic, a style of delaying,” he added.
His comments come just days before Bibiani GoldStars, newly crowned champions of the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League, host Medeama SC in a ceremonial coronation match on Saturday, June 14 at DUN’s Park in Bibiani.
