Frimpong Manso links low GPL attendance to Kotoko and Hearts struggles

Frimpong Manso, a former Ghana international and veteran coach, has identified the underwhelming performances of Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak as the primary cause for the declining stadium attendance in the Ghana Premier League (GPL). According to Manso, the struggles of these two traditional powerhouses have had a significant ripple effect on the overall interest in the domestic top-flight league, leading to a noticeable drop in matchday crowds.

Manso noted that Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak have historically served as the main engines for fan engagement in Ghanaian football, typically drawing the largest audiences regardless of the venue. He argued that when these "giant" clubs are not competitive or fail to provide quality football, the incentive for fans to attend matches diminishes across the board. This decline in enthusiasm is reflected in the increasingly empty stands observed during recent league fixtures, as the core fan bases of these institutions feel less motivated to travel or pay for tickets.

The former international's assessment highlights a growing concern within the Ghanaian football ecosystem regarding the commercial and social health of the GPL. As the two most successful clubs in the country's history continue to struggle with consistency, the broader league suffers from a lack of visibility and reduced gate proceeds. Manso’s observations suggest that for the league to regain its former vibrancy and financial stability, the traditional giants must rediscover their form to reignite the passion of the football-loving public.