Former Asante Kotoko head coach, Charles Kwablan Akonnor, has voiced his frustration over the persistent controversies that continue to overshadow the Ghana Premier League year after year.
Reacting to the chaotic end of the 2024/25 season ; marked by protests, claims of poor officiating, and mounting fan unrest ; Akonnor called for urgent reforms to restore integrity and professionalism to the league.
Speaking in an interview with Citi Sports, Akonnor described the repeated incidents as “embarrassing” and warned that they could derail the growth of Ghana’s domestic game and hinder the development of future talents.
Basake Holy Stars vs Nation FC what’s this Ghana Football 😳 pic.twitter.com/oU3Kr6zE82
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It’s embarrassing, you know, and it’s important that every season these things happen. The last season I think was in Hearts of Oak and there was too much and sanity must prevail in our league.
It’s not good because it doesn’t take us anywhere. It’s more of the negative side. So what can we do to improve it? It lies in the hands of the effort, those who are managing the league.
Akonnor, who also captained the Black Stars during his playing days, stressed the importance of integrity in the league’s development, especially in shaping the future of young footballers coming through the local system.
It has to be better. We can do better. 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?
It’s always from our local league so we need to improve that aspect of the way they delay when an opponent is leading as a tactic, a style of delaying.
He further highlighted the growing concern around poor officiating, which has been a recurring theme in recent seasons, with several clubs and fans accusing referees of bias and incompetence.
Matches officiating is a big problem. And I’ve heard it, what you telling me. I’ve seen videos. Whether it’s true or not, I don’t have the evidence, but these things keep coming.”
Akonnor’s comments add to growing calls for the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and Premier League management to initiate reforms aimed at restoring credibility, improving matchday standards, and creating a more competitive and transparent football environment.
