Ghana’s Premier League clubs experienced a crucial delay two years ago following a failure to complete the mandatory club licensing process, a situation that has now been highlighted by the chairman of the Ghana Football Association’s Club Licensing Committee, Dr Kwame Baah-Nuakoh.
Baah-Nuakoh stated that none of the GPL clubs were approved under the licensing regulations at the time, as the process had not been finalized. He explained that the authority to determine eligibility for competition participation rests with the GFA’s Competition Department, not the Licensing Committee.
He clarified that the GFA’s responsibility ends once a decision has been made and submitted to the appropriate authorities, and that his committee’s role is limited to ensuring compliance with judicial decisions.
Despite this, the GFA’s committee has approved 14 of the 18 proposed match venues for the 2026/27 season, a significant milestone that underscores the club’s continued involvement in the league despite the licensing issue.
The GFA’s Committee’s decision-making process is overseen by the Competition Department, which handles the scheduling of fixtures and ensuring clubs adhere to legal rulings. Dr Baah-Nuakoh emphasized that his committee’s jurisdiction ends once the decision is finalized and submitted for approval.
He further stated that the licensing committee’s work is a critical component of the GFA’s overall responsibility, and it’s essential for the GFA to diligently monitor and implement these decisions. The 2026/27 season’s fixture schedule is currently focused on ensuring all clubs are legally permitted to participate.
The GFA has communicated this issue to the clubs, and the committee is working diligently to resolve the licensing backlog. The 2026/27 season is set to commence on September 5th, marking a crucial period for the league’s continuation.
Dr Baah-Nuakoh stated that the licensing process is a critical element in ensuring a fair and consistent playing environment for the Premier League clubs, and any delays must be addressed promptly. The GFA is committed to upholding its obligations to the clubs and ensuring compliance with regulations.
He further emphasized that the 2026/27 season will be a significant opportunity for the league to demonstrate its stability and operational capacity, despite the ongoing licensing challenge.
The full details regarding the licensing process and the GFA’s commitment to resolution are available on the GFA’s official website. This situation underscores the importance of timely licensing approval for all football clubs within Ghana.
This delay has raised concerns amongst club owners and stakeholders regarding the league’s operational integrity and the potential for disruptions to the 2026/27 season.
Further updates regarding the licensing process are expected as the GFA continues to work towards a resolution.
This situation highlights a challenge within the football landscape, requiring a coordinated approach from the GFA and the clubs to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted season. The 2026/27 season is a pivotal moment for the league’s development.
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Source: Adom Sports
