Ghana Premier League strugglers BA Stars have registered 16 new players ahead of the start of the second round to help them avoid relegation.

The Sunyani-based side, bottom of the league with eight points after 15 matches, is keen on beating the drop.

The biggest coup was the capture of former Ghana Premier League Player of the Year Kweku Essien.

In a smart swap deal, BA Stars have also acquired the services of three Kessben FC players Prince Attakora Gyimah, Bella Tigana and Solomon Lamptey in return for in-from Larbi Koomson.

Two players from current league leaders Berekum Chelsea have been released on loan to aid BA Stars’ fight against relegation.

Experienced striker Allan Shearer and veteran goalkeeper James Nanor will leave Chelsea for the half term loan deal.

Liberty Professionals have also released veteran striker Micheal Osei, Abubakari Suala and Mawuli Soglo.

Godfred Yeboah, Pamford Solomon of Manganese FC , Obed Ashiangbmor of King Solomon FC and former Etoile du Sahel player Emmanuel Okine have all been signed.

Fauzy Osuman of Midjiland FC has also joined BA Stars.

Meanwhile, technical team has also promoted four U-20 players to the senior side to play in the first team.

The team started the pre-season training for the second round last week and shifted their training to Chiraa from the Sunyani Barracks.

An appeal to Dormaahene for BA Stars to use the Ageymang Badu Park for the second round has been approved by the King while Aduana Stars are contemplating using the Sunyani Coronation Park for their Africa Champions League campaign.