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0 From surprise upsets to fan apathy and a thrilling title chase, the just-ended Ghana Premier League offered more questions than answers for the giants of Ghanaian football.
The curtains have fallen on the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League (GPL), and if there’s one thing this season has reminded us, it’s that tradition alone doesn’t win titles — consistency, planning, and hunger do.
Samartex, the reigning champions, relinquished their crown without much resistance. Their title defence, riddled with tactical inconsistencies and off-field distractions, was a far cry from the clinical form they showed the season before. But their drop wasn’t the biggest talking point — the real shock was the continued decline of Ghana’s traditional giants: Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko.
Kotoko & Hearts: Sleeping Giants or Lost Causes?
For the second consecutive season, both Hearts and Kotoko finished outside the top four, a damning indictment for clubs with such rich history. At various points in the season, they both changed coaches, battled administrative infighting, and showed an alarming lack of tactical identity.
Hearts’ inability to score goals was painful to watch — a team once built on flair now lacked even the basics of creative buildup. Meanwhile, Kotoko flirted with brilliance at times but were ultimately undone by defensive lapses and a lack of leadership in key games.
These are not just team issues — they’re systemic failures. The scouting, player development, and overall club management need a massive reset.
The Rise of the Others
On the other end of the spectrum, clubs like FC Samartex and Nsoatreman FC proved that Ghanaian football is evolving. With smart investments, stable technical teams, and youthful energy, they showed that success no longer belongs to only the Accra-Kumasi corridor.
Samartex, in particular, were the darlings of the season — compact in defence, fearless going forward, and tactically well-drilled. They didn’t just compete; they controlled games. The fans noticed, the league noticed — and perhaps most importantly, the big clubs should take note.
The Football Was Good, The Atmosphere Was Not
While the quality of football showed flashes of improvement, especially in midfield organisation and pressing tactics, one elephant remained in the room: low stadium attendance. Even title-deciding matches struggled to pull decent crowds unless they involved Kotoko or Hearts.
The disconnect between clubs and fans has never been this stark. Poor PR, lack of community engagement, and inconsistent matchday experiences continue to haunt the GPL. Until clubs invest in fan culture — not just player bonuses — stadium seats will remain empty.
What Comes Next?
With a new season ahead and CAF inter-club competitions looming, the GPL has a rare opportunity to reset its narrative. The Ghana Football Association (GFA) must prioritise:
• Club licensing enforcement
• Financial transparency
• Coaching development
• Youth policy implementation
The just-ended season wasn’t perfect, but it was a warning shot to the giants and a loud announcement by the rest.
