Ghana Lift Ban On Football League

Ghana President Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo on Sunday gave a green light for resumption of football following consultations with various health and sports experts.

Addressing the nation, the President said the decision was based on the drastic decrease of coronavirus cases and the need for the Black Stars to prepare for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

”With respect to football, after due consultations with the Ghana Football Association, it has been decided that the Ghana Premier League and the Division One Football League will restart on Friday, 30th October, with a full regime of testing of the players, technical and management staff,” the president said.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””] ”No spectators will be allowed at the training centres, and, when actual competition resumes, seating at all stadia will be limited to twenty-five per cent (25%) capacity to ensure social distancing.   [/perfectpullquote]

”Wearing of masks by spectators at stadia will be mandatory. The restart of all other sporting competitions will be determined on a case-by-case basis, pending consultations between the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the respective sports associations,” he added.

The Ghana Football Association is expected to announce dates for the commencement of all major League competitions including the Regional Leagues.

Ghana football was suspended in March following the government order on suspension of public gatherings, including sports events.

The Ghana Premier League, which had reached its match-day 15 stage, as well as the Women’s Premier League and Women’s FA Cup were affected.

In June, the Ghana Football Association cancelled the 2019-20 domestic season due to the complications caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The federation nominated Asante Kotoko and Ashanti Gold to represent Ghana in the African club continental competitions.