Accra Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko have reached crucial agreements with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) following a high-level meeting held on Monday, February 17, 2025.
In a joint statement released by both clubs, the meeting, initiated at the request of the GFA in response to a joint petition submitted by both clubs, focused on key measures to improve league standards, strengthen security protocols, and accelerate the transition toward an autonomous league structure.
Enhanced Security Measures
Both clubs’ approved the GFA’s newly introduced matchday Safety and Security Protocols, which include a significant increase in security personnel at match venues.
“The expanded security presence is a game-changer for protecting players, officials, and fans,” representatives from Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko stated.
“These measures demonstrate our shared commitment to fostering a safe, family-friendly environment that upholds the integrity of the league.”
Autonomous Premier League
Regarding the push for an autonomous league, the statement highlighted that GFA assured the two clubs process is in an advanced stage.
“The meeting also marked a pivotal step forward in the long-anticipated transition to an “Autonomous Premier League”,” the statement read.
The GFA noted that the Autonomous Premier League as a corporate entity, the establishment of operational bank accounts by the Implementation Committee, and plans for each club to appoint a board member to oversee the league’s strategic direction.
Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko emphasized their readiness to collaborate with the GFA and fellow Premier League clubs to ensure a smooth transition into a self-sustaining league structure.
As part of the ongoing process, Asante Kotoko has scheduled a press conference on Monday, February 24, 2025, at the Baba Yara Stadium press room, where they will officially communicate their final decision regarding the agreements reached.
Commitment to League Development and Ethics
Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko also reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the highest operational and ethical standards in the Ghana Premier League. The two clubs pledged full compliance with the GFA’s updated regulations, which focus on:
Enhanced fan engagement initiatives to improve supporter relations.
Improved referee training programs to ensure fair officiating.
Stadium infrastructure upgrades for a better matchday experience.
READ FULL STATEMENT BELOW:
In a landmark collaboration aimed at advancing the Ghana Premier League, Accra Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko have reached significant agreements with the Ghana Football Association following a high-level meeting held on Monday, February 17, 2025.
The meeting was held at the request of the GFA in response to a joint-petition which had been submitted to the FA by both clubs.
The discussions centered on critical measures to elevate league standards, prioritize safety and security, and accelerate progress towards an autonomous league structure.
Both clubs expressed strong approval for the GFA’s enhanced “Matchday Safety and Security Protocols” and lauded the robust measures, particularly the significant increase in security personnel.
The clubs shall persistently ensure strict compliance with these protocols and shall also demand constant review of same. This enhancement will ensure stricter crowd control, faster emergency response times, and comprehensive safety checks for all attendees to the various match venues.“The expanded security presence is a game-changer for protecting players, officials, and fans,” stated representatives from Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko.
“These measures demonstrate our shared commitment to fostering a safe, family-friendly environment that upholds the integrity of the league.”
Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko also reaffirm their dedication to maintaining the highest operational and ethical standards within the Ghana Premier League.
The clubs pledged full compliance with the GFA’s updated guidelines, which include rigorous referee training programs, infrastructure upgrades, and enhanced fan engagement initiatives. The meeting also marked a pivotal step forward in the long-anticipated transition to an “Autonomous Premier League”.
Both clubs lauded the GFA for its leadership in advancing this initiative, noting that significant progress has already been made, including the official registration of the Autonomous Premier League as a corporate entity and the establishment of operational bank accounts by the Implementation Committee.
To ensure stakeholder representation, each club will appoint a board member to oversee the league’s strategic direction. Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko emphasized their readiness to collaborate with the GFA and fellow Premier League clubs to ensure a seamless and successful league restart.
Kotoko, however, will hold a press conference on Monday, February 24, 2025, at the press room at the Baba Yara Stadium to communicate our final decision.
Signed
Management of Asante Kotoko SC.
