Interim Management Committee (IMC) Lead Administrator of Accra Hearts of Oak, Vincent Sowah Odotei, has attributed the declining attendance in the Ghana Premier League to the lack of entertainment value, insisting the domestic game must become more attractive to supporters.
The Ghana Premier League has witnessed dwindling crowds in recent seasons, with clubs continuing to grapple with reduced matchday revenue and waning fan interest.
Speaking in an interview with Joy Sports, Odotei argued that football is fundamentally an entertainment product and believes the local league is failing to provide the excitement needed to draw supporters back to stadiums.
"Our football is not fit for purpose. Our football is not entertaining. In football, we're not in the business of football; we're in the entertainment business through it," he said.
"Football is a drama. You need actors, you need stars that people will want to come and watch."
The veteran football administrator believes the absence of charismatic players capable of connecting with supporters has contributed significantly to the decline in matchday attendance.
Drawing comparisons with previous generations, Odotei recalled how iconic Hearts of Oak players inspired entire communities to follow the club wherever they played.
He pointed to the likes of Shamo Quaye, Ablade Kumah, Anas Seidu, and former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah as examples of players whose popularity attracted large crowds from their hometowns and neighbourhoods.
"People came to watch Hearts of Oak because of Shamo Quaye and Ablade Kumah. They came from Tema, their community. You go to Newtown, Anas Seidu. You go to Mamprobi, Stephen Appiah and co. That's where they come from," he explained.
According to Odotei, today's Ghana Premier League lacks that strong connection between clubs, players and their local communities, making it difficult to sustain fan interest.
"We don't have that in our football. We are not providing the entertainment, so naturally, people will go to leagues that provide entertainment," he added.
His comments come amid ongoing discussions about how to revive interest in Ghana's top flight, with stakeholders calling for improved marketing, better playing conditions, enhanced broadcasting, and greater investment in player development.
As clubs and football authorities search for ways to increase stadium attendance, Odotei believes producing exciting football and developing marketable local stars remain crucial to restoring the Ghana Premier League's appeal.
