Sports News of Thursday, 7 May 2020

Source: primenews.com.gh

Role of football clubs in Ghana’s economy 'highly underrated' – Inter Allies CEO

Inter Allies' CEO wants government to recognize the importance of GPL clubs Inter Allies' CEO wants government to recognize the importance of GPL clubs

Inter Allies CEO Eric Delali Senaye believes that the role played by football clubs in Ghana’s economy is highly underrated and that is why there is no push for them to be supported by gov’t in these times. Several industries have been asking for a share of the government’s stimulus package to help them deal with the financial impact of the covid-19 pandemic.

The GFA sent proposal to govt for some financial help but some observes believe that there are more pressing domains than football.

Now Eric Senaye says that these opinions are because no one has put a value on football contributions to the nation’s economy.

“We pay every match that the clubs are involved in by way of gate fees we pay 17.5% as of VAT. We also those who are limited by shares, end of the if profit is declared we pay corporate taxes.

“Football has driven the local tourism economy, If Inter Allies travel to Berekum it means that we are going to occupy one hotel there, fifteen rooms in total, two are going to spend two days there and spend money there.”

“On the match day, the folks in Berekum will also involve in other activities and the rest. Football contributes hugely to the local economy through tourism but our industry is underrated and not known, there have been no scientific research to known the economic importance of football in our economy.”