Ibrahim Sannie Daara, the former Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has cited poor performance of Ghana Premier League (GPL) clubs as a factor that contributes to the low attendance at league centers. Daara’s remarks come in response to criticisms made against GFA president Kurt Okraku, who had earlier stated that clubs need to take more responsibility in convincing fans to attend matches.
Several league centers, including those of Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak, have experienced a downturn in attendance. In a tweet, Sannie Daara supported Okraku’s comments and stated that if top clubs recruit the best players, pay them well, and market their matches effectively, they will be more competitive both domestically and on the continent.
Sannie Daara emphasized that league matches are promoted by using players and coaches who are controlled by clubs and not the GFA. He stated that the GFA does not manage clubs and their players and has trained clubs on how to market their matches. However, many clubs do not implement the strategies they are taught.
Daara emphasized the need for a proper forum to address the issue but expressed disappointment that the media consistently blame the GFA when the actual culprits are walking free.
“Kurt has spoken nothing but the TRUTH. The failure of clubs is among the several factors affecting attendances at some GPL stadia,” he said.
“If Hearts & Kotoko recruit the best players, pay them well, market their matches, have good academies they will be strong, competitive contientally and also get other clubs in Ghana to step up to the plate. League matches are promoted by using players and coaches and these guys are controlled by the clubs and not the GFA.
“The GFA doesn’t manage the clubs and their players. It has trained clubs on how to market their matches yet clubs don’t implement these things they are taught.
“We need a proper forum to address this but it is sad that consistently we the media push all blame to the GFA when the exact culprits are walking free.”
