Stories and facts
The Ghana Premier League stands as the pinnacle of professional association football in Ghana, constituting the top tier of the country's football league system. Established officially in 1956 to succeed the Gold Coast Club Competition, which ran from 1933 to 1953–54, this league is overseen by the Ghana Football Association.
Throughout its history, the Ghana Premier League has garnered recognition and accolades, earning a place as the 11th best league in Africa according to the IFFHS rankings from 2001 to 2010. Additionally, in the 1st Decade of the 21st Century (2001–2010), it was ranked 65th in the IFFHS' Best Leagues of the World ranking.
Traditionally, the league has been characterized by the dominance of clubs like Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak. At the end of each season, the bottom three teams face relegation to the respective zones of the Ghanaian Division One League.
The 2019–20 season faced a significant disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to its eventual cancellation. This mirrored similar actions taken globally to postpone or cancel football leagues and competitions in response to the pandemic.
For the 2022–2023 season, eighteen teams will compete in the league, comprising the fifteen from the previous season and three winners from the Division One zones. Notably, the promoted teams for this season are Samartex and Kotoku Royals, both achieving promotion for the first time, replacing WAFA, Techiman Eleven Wonders, and Elmina Sharks.
In terms of broadcasting, the league's matches have been brought to audiences through notable deals with broadcasters. In September 2013, SuperSport secured television production and broadcast rights for the Ghana Premier League. Later, in 2017, StarTimes became the official television production and broadcast rights holder, showcasing live matches per matchday on their branded decoders and equipment.
The Ghana Premier League continues to serve as a cornerstone of Ghanaian football, nurturing talent and providing thrilling competition that captivates football enthusiasts across the nation.
