The lack of a title sponsor for the upcoming Ghana Premier League (GPL) season casts a shadow over the competition, with Berekum Chelsea's bankroller, Bernard Nana Yaw Amofa Jantuah, urging the government to intervene.
Betpawa's abrupt termination of their three-year sponsorship deal just over a year into the contract has left the Ghana Football Association (GFA) scrambling.
This lack of financial backing creates significant challenges for the league and its clubs.
Jantuah, a prominent businessman, expressed his concerns during a Kessben FM interview. He highlighted the critical need for sponsorship.
He stated, "There is no sponsorship for the Ghana Premier League... The cost involved in running a club isn't easy, so I will plead with government to help the FA secure sponsorship in order to relieve clubs from their burden."
Jantuah further emphasised the financial strain on clubs due to the meagre prize money, claiming:
"It's very difficult to run football in Ghana. The league cannot boast of $200,000 for a season... The winner of our league takes home GHC500,000, so if you are unable to sell some players, you will run at a loss. We are indeed struggling."
While Berekum Chelsea, the 2011 champions, are gearing up for the September kick-off with hopes of a second title, the financial uncertainty surrounding the league is a cause for concern.