By Kwame Bediako
Honourable Mahama Ayariga, the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, has expressed growing concerns over the rising incidents of football-related violence during matches and the alarming lack of sponsorship in the Ghana Premier League. His remarks came following his address on the floor of parliament on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 which he outlined that the Sports Minister has drafted a comprehensive strategy to revitalize Ghana’s sports industry.
Ayariga emphasized that football is a significant part of Ghana’s culture and economy, but the current state of the game, marked by violence and insufficient sponsorship, poses a serious threat to its future. He highlighted the worrying trend of fans engaging in violent behavior during matches, often resulting in disruptions. “We cannot allow our beloved game to descend into chaos,” Ayariga stated, calling for immediate action to address the root causes of the violence.
He also pointed out the lack of sponsorship as a critical issue affecting the Ghana Premier League. Many clubs are struggling to secure the financial backing needed to compete at the highest level, with top-tier teams reporting significant losses due to the shrinking pool of sponsors. Ayariga noted that overseas leagues, particularly those in Europe, have capitalized on this gap, leading to the distraction of local talent and resources.
During his meeting with the Minister for Sports, Ayariga shared insights into the minister’s proposed strategy to combat these challenges. According to the minister, one key aspect of the strategy involves negotiations with international broadcasters, such as SuperSport, to secure coverage of Ghanaian Premier League matches. This could potentially bring much-needed revenue to the league and rejuvenate interest in local football. “The minister for sports to negotiate with super sports to begin coverage of our local leagues” – Hon. Mahama Ayariga.
Honourable Mahama Ayariga further called on stakeholders within Ghana’s sports industry to work collaboratively to address the growing concerns of football-related violence and sponsorship shortfalls. He stressed that the future of Ghanaian football depends on the ability of local leaders and organizations to take proactive steps toward reform and revitalization.
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