Stories and facts
The Ghana Women’s Premier League (GWPL), also referred to as the Malta Guinness Women's Premier League due to sponsorship, serves as the top-tier women’s soccer competition in Ghana.
Established in 2012 as the National Women's League (NWL), the league has evolved into a vibrant platform for women's soccer development.
In November 2021, Hilary Boateng was appointed chairperson of the Women's Premier League Committee by the Ghana Football Association (GFA), highlighting the league's continued focus on robust administration.
Historical Background
Women's soccer in Ghana gained prominence through regional leagues active until 2006, when a zonal league system was introduced. This format divided the country into three zones, with teams advancing to a national championship stage.
The current structure of the league debuted in the 2012–13 season, featuring two zones: Northern and Southern. Teams competed in a round-robin format, with the winners from each zone meeting in a championship final.
The inaugural championship, held at the Accra Sports Stadium, saw Hasaacas Ladies triumph over Fabulous Ladies with a 2–1 victory.
League Structure and Format
The GWPL initially featured 12 teams divided into two zones. In the 2021–22 season, the league expanded to 18 teams, nine in each zone, ensuring a minimum of 16 matches per team per season.
The competition employs a double round-robin format, where teams earn three points for a win, one point for a draw, and none for a loss. Rankings are determined by total points, goal difference, and goals scored.
At the end of the season, the top teams from each zone compete in a championship final to decide the national champion.
The league operates a promotion and relegation system, with the lowest-ranked teams relegated to the Division 1 League and top-performing Division 1 teams promoted to the GWPL.
Championship Success and Key Teams
Hasaacas Ladies and Ampem Darkoa Ladies have been the most successful teams in the league's history. Hasaacas Ladies have won four titles, while Ampem Darkoa Ladies have secured three championships.
The league has showcased exceptional talent, with players like Samira Suleiman, Princella Adubea, and Ophelia Serwaa Amponsah achieving significant accolades.
Sponsorship and Partnerships
Since its inception, the GWPL has attracted strategic sponsorships. FreshPak became the league's first title sponsor in 2018, contributing GH¢500,000 over two seasons.
In 2022, Malta Guinness signed a three-year sponsorship deal worth GH¢10 million, solidifying the league's financial base.
Electroland Ghana Ltd., under its NASCO brand, has supported the league since the 2019–20 season, sponsoring individual awards like Player of the Match and Player of the Season. Decathlon Ghana has partnered with the GFA since 2020, supplying essential sports equipment.
Betway joined in 2022 as a development partner, offering mentorship programs and training equipment to participating clubs.
Media Coverage and Visibility
Media visibility has been a critical aspect of the league’s growth. In 2020, StarTimes Television secured a six-year broadcasting rights deal, dedicating $100,000 in its first year to support women's soccer, including the GWPL. StarTimes Sports and Max TV have since broadcast key matches, including finals of the GWPL and the Ghana Women's FA Cup.
Challenges and Resilience
The league has faced notable challenges, including the 2018 abandonment due to the Anas exposé and the 2019–20 season's cancellation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these setbacks, the GWPL has consistently rebounded, serving as a critical platform for women's soccer in Ghana.
Future of the GWPL
Through strategic partnerships, exceptional talent development, and increasing media visibility, the Ghana Women’s Premier League continues to grow as a beacon of opportunity for female athletes. With a commitment to fostering talent and enhancing the game's quality, the GWPL remains pivotal in shaping the future of women’s soccer in Ghana.
