Tamale South Member of Parliament, Haruna Iddrisu, has voiced his concerns about the challenges facing the Ghana Premier League.
Iddrisu believes it is crucial to address issues such as low patronage and substandard pitches to reignite the nation’s enthusiasm for local football.
Speaking on 3Sports’ GPL Xpress, the prominent politician identified several key areas of concern that require urgent attention to rejuvenate the league.
He highlighted officiating as one of the key issues that need improvement. The inconsistent application of rules and regulations during matches has been a source of frustration for both fans and players. Moreover, Iddrisu pointed out that the quality of football pitches in Ghana falls short of international standards, saying, “Pitches are not up to standard.”
Another concern for Iddrisu is the lack of patronage. He believes that Ghanaians have shifted their interest to foreign football leagues, such as the English Premier League and La Liga while neglecting the local league. “Nobody is interested in watching Ghana Premier League matches,” he lamented.
To address these issues, Iddrisu said, “We have to probably domesticate that one too; watch more Ghana football, play more Ghana football, and look up to Ghana football.”
The politician has demonstrated his deep passion for football by investing in the Ghana Premier League club Karela United and Steadfast FC, a team competing in the Division One League.