Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) chairman, Dr. Nyaho-Nyaho Tamakloe, has condemned the corruption that has engulfed the Ghana Premier League, suggesting that bribery and match-fixing are to blame for the dominance of certain clubs.
Speaking to 3FM, Tamakloe expressed his frustration that traditional clubs like Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko struggle to compete due to their refusal to engage in such practices.
The renowned football administrator and politician pointed to Samartex FC's impressive home record, winning 16 out of 17 matches, as evidence of corruption.
“Unfortunately, the [issue] that we have in national politics has found its way into football,” he said.
“Very sad! You ask yourself how can one unknown club win 16 out of 17 matches on their home ground. If you are a bit into football, ask yourself this simple question. And the 16 matches that they won on their home grounds gave them about 48 points, making them winners already. And this is through corruption and bribery.”
Tamakloe believes that the influence of betting companies is driving this corruption, saying, “That is why at the moment clubs like Hearts of Oak who will not give money – and people should listen to me very carefully – or Kotoko have all fallen back but I can tell them we are coming back,” he said.
“The two leading clubs shall come back in a different form and those who have been creating this confusion that is destroying Ghana football. . that is why we are nowhere on the continent. Football has been taken over by betting.”
The comments come after Samartex FC won the 2023/24 League title, amassing a total of 61 points.
The Western Region side emerged with the most wins (19) in the season, winning 16 matches at home. As a result, they will represent Ghana in the 2024/25 CAF Champions League.
