Muntari sounds alarm on state of Ghana Premier League

• Posted on January 27, 2025January 27, 2025
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

Former Ghanaian international Sulley Muntari has lifted the lid on the dire state of the Ghana Premier League (GPL), painting a bleak picture of a league in disarray.

Muntari’s candid assessment comes from his second stint in the league, where he had a brief spell with Hearts of Oak.

The tenacious midfielder’s professional trajectory commenced in his native Ghana, where he progressed through the esteemed youth academy of Liberty Professionals in the early 2000s.

His impressive development caught the attention of European scouts, ultimately leading to a move to Italian side Udinese, marking the beginning of his illustrious career in European football.

Following a 21-year sojourn overseas, where he established himself as a formidable force in European football, the veteran midfielder made a sentimental return to his homeland, Ghana.

He subsequently donned the iconic jersey of Hearts of Oak, one of the country’s most beloved clubs, before ultimately deciding to hang up his boots, bringing an end to a storied career that spanned multiple continents.

In an interview with 3Sports team, the former AC Milan and Inter Milan star was scathing in his criticism, describing the league as a “big hole where they are dumping money” with “no future for the local league.”

“I enjoyed it. Hearts fans and the president were amazing. The league is a big hole where they are dumping money. There is no future for the local league. I am hoping I can get some funds and really help them. It’s a mess. When I was there, it was a mess. Maybe now it is worse. If we don’t help these guys, we won’t get the top players.”

Muntari’s words are a stark warning, highlighting the need for urgent investment and reform to prevent the GPL from slipping further into decline.

Muntari’s personal experience in the league was marred by subpar facilities, with the changing rooms, in particular, leaving much to be desired.

“The changing rooms smell. That respect is not there. I didn’t even want my laundry done. I would take it home. When you get into changing rooms, they smell bad. It is not just one team. Everybody.”