The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is working on a plan for the resumption of football leagues in the country.
This follows President Akufo-Addo’s announcement that the Ghana Premier League and Division One League can resume on October 30, after a six-month suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Henry Asante Twum, the Communications Director for the GFA, told Citi News there is a need to engage stakeholders further on the next line of action.
“As at the time we spoke to the clubs and we engaged the clubs, the plan of having spectators at the various stadia were not considered but in the president’s address, he said we have the opportunity to admit 25 percent [capacity] at all league centres.”
He also said the league will have to prepare for the testing of persons engaged in football.
Within five weeks, the GFA is expected to players, coaches, team owners, administrators, technical staff and referees.
The National Sports Authority has estimated that about GHS 60,000 will be needed to isolate teams and test players before matches while ensuring the stadiums are regularly disinfected.
“Again, there will be the testing of players for COVID-19. The possibility of having players test positive is also high. The quarantine will take place and all this is within the five-week period.”
“The competitions department of the GFA will sit down with the medical committee and come up with a proper plan and that will also be considered by the executive council,” Mr. Twum added.
The Chairperson of Ghana’s Women’s Premier League Committee, Hillary Boateng also welcomed the President’s decision to allow the resumption of football in the country.
“It is welcome news. It is exciting news. Everybody who is involved in the game is pretty excited about it,” she said.
