Accra, Sept. 6, GNA - Vice President John Dramani Mahama, has called on Premier League Board (PLB) and Ghana Football Association (GFA) to consider the sale of advance tickets for matches in future as part of efforts to promote professionalism in the local League. This, he noted will serve as an advance source of revenue for the Clubs and offer them the opportunity to invest for their development. Mr Mahama said the introduction of the system will also ensure that Clubs have enough resources at the beginning of the season to pay their players well and motivate them to perform.

Speaking at the 4th PLB/GFA Awards Night, Vice President Mahama said even though some of the Clubs have expressed fears of ticket duplication when the system is introduced, government will be ready to assist to clamp down on ticket racketeering in the country. Mr Mahama called on the PLB, GFA and Premier League Clubs to submit proposals on how best to check ticket racketeering as the government is committed to the development of sports in the country. "In these modern times of professionalism, soccer fans should be given the opportunity to select matches they want to watch in the season and purchase the tickets to avoid rush at the gates". Vice President Mahama said.

The Vice President also advised the PLB and the GFA to take a serious look at merchandizing as another source of generating resources for development of the Clubs.

Mr Mahama said in most advanced countries, Clubs have been able to raise adequate resources from merchandizing, adding that in countries where merchandizing has taken deep roots, the Clubs have had little difficulty with funding.

The Vice President gave the assurance that government will also support the PLB and the GFA to fight against any form of piracy. Vice President Mahama said government will soon draw up a compressive strategy for sports development in the country with the major aim of the strategy made to bridge the gap between football and other sporting disciplines.

He noted that every sporting event is important and there is therefore the need to give them equal attention. "Every medal is a medal and we need medals from all sporting disciplines, hence we must ensure that they are given the same platform to develop". He said. Mr Mahama said plans have been put in place to revive the Schools and Colleges Sports, the Security Services Sports Association (SESSA) Annual Games and the National Sports Festival as part of efforts to unearth talents in the country. He said government is keen on talents hunt and development and will put in the necessary measures to realize the goal for the benefit of all sporting disciplines in the country.