Henry Asante Twum, the Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association, expresses his belief that the inconsistency of prominent clubs in the Ghana Premier League has had a negative impact on attendance at match venues.
According to Twum, Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak boast the largest fan bases in the Ghana Premier League and could attract significant crowds to the stadiums if their teams consistently achieve victories.
Twum points out that in the past, supporters of Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak would fill the stadiums in large numbers an hour before kick-off. However, he laments that the same cannot be said at present due to the clubs' declining performances.
Referring specifically to Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko, Twum recalls the vibrant atmosphere at Baba Yara Stadium, where fans would pack the venue by 12 or 1 pm. He mentions that sometimes people would even attempt to climb the poles behind the stadium to catch a glimpse of the matches. The situation was similar in Accra, according to him.
“With specific reference to Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko. The Asante Kotoko we know back in the day by 12 or 1 pm Baba Yara is full that sometimes people want to climb the poles behind the stadium to watch matches, at Accra it was a similar story,” Henry Asante Twum said.
Twum, the GFA Communications Director, emphasizes that these clubs have lost their dominance in the GPL due to their inconsistency. He firmly believes that once the top clubs start performing consistently, the local league will regain its popularity.
"I have noticed that these clubs have also lacked consistency in terms of their performance. I cannot recall a time this season when Hearts of Oak won three consecutive games. Similarly, I cannot remember the last time Kotoko won three games in a row," Twum comments.
He further explains, "When a team lacks consistency, it discourages fans from attending the matches. For instance, after Kotoko defeated Kotoku Royals 5-1 one week, they lost the following game. Similarly, after their impressive 4-0 victory against Accra Lions, they suffered a defeat away from home."
"In recent times, Kotoko won at home against Bibiani Goldstars, but then lost to Olympics and drew with Tamale City at Baba Yara. So, where is the consistency?" Twum concludes.
