Former Vice President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), George Afriyie, has renewed calls for sweeping administrative reforms in Ghana football, urging the establishment of an independent body to oversee the management of the Ghana Premier League following renewed government investment in the domestic game.
Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM, Afriyie contended that the injection of state resources into the league necessitates a governance framework that prioritises independence, accountability, and operational excellence. In his view, the current arrangement, where the Premier League is administered directly under the GFA secretariat, falls short of modern standards required to drive growth and credibility.
“With the government now investing in our league, I believe the leadership of the Ghana Football Association must set up a different body to run the league,” Afriyie remarked. “The Premier League must be independent. It should be managed by an autonomous body to ensure professionalism and transparency.”
The seasoned football administrator maintained that decoupling the league from the day-to-day operations of the Football Association would enhance efficiency, reduce conflicts of interest, and strengthen stakeholder confidence. He stressed that such a structure is consistent with best practices adopted by successful leagues across the globe.
While pushing for autonomy, Afriyie was quick to emphasise the need for institutional oversight. He proposed that the independent league body should remain answerable to the General Secretary of the GFA, Prosper Harrison Addo, to ensure alignment with the Association’s broader regulatory mandate.
“The league should be separated from the secretariat of the Football Association, and the autonomous body should be reporting to the General Secretary,” he added.
Afriyie believes an independently managed Premier League would unlock commercial opportunities, attract sustainable sponsorships, and provide a more credible platform for clubs, players, and investors. He further noted that such reforms would allow the GFA to concentrate on policy formulation, regulation, and grassroots development.
His comments have reignited national discourse on governance reforms in Ghana football at a critical moment when stakeholders are demanding higher standards of transparency and professionalism within the domestic league ecosystem.