The GH¢1 million provided to each of the 18 Ghana Premier League clubs ahead of the 2026/27 season was a loan secured by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and not a direct government grant, according to Aduana FC General Manager Takyi Arhin.
His comments come after Sports Minister Kofi Iddie Adams confirmed that the government was providing financial support to clubs participating in the new Ghana Premier League season.
The Minister said the funding was intended to help clubs strengthen their financial sustainability and gradually reduce their dependence on government assistance.
However, Arhin has offered a different explanation of the arrangement, insisting that the money was secured by the GFA and facilitated by the government.
“The GH¢1 million given to each Ghana Premier League club was not given to us by the government. It was a loan secured by the GFA and facilitated by the government,” he told Sporty FM.
“The GFA is going to pay it back.”
The GFA announced the GH¢1 million financial package for each of the 18 Premier League clubs ahead of the start of the 2026/27 campaign.
The funding was intended to assist clubs with their operational expenses and provide additional financial support as they navigate the demands of the league season.
Arhin’s comments have, however, raised questions about the exact nature of the financial arrangement, particularly in light of descriptions of the funding as government support.
The distinction between a government grant and a loan secured by the GFA is significant, as the latter means the football association bears responsibility for repaying the funds.
The issue comes at a time when the financial sustainability of Ghanaian football clubs remains a major concern, with clubs facing significant expenses related to player salaries, logistics, travel, accommodation and other operational requirements throughout the Premier League season.
The 2026/27 Ghana Premier League season began in September, with the GH¢1 million package announced as part of efforts to provide clubs with financial relief and enable them to meet their obligations during the campaign. While the government has indicated its willingness to support Ghanaian football, Arhin’s clarification provides a different perspective on the source and structure of the funds received by the Premier League clubs