The President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. John Dramani Mahama would today kick-off the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League season when Hearts of Oak welcome newcomers Hohoe United FC to the Accra Sports Stadium.
President Mahama is the official Guest of Honour and will take the official kick-off to herald the start of the 2025/26 League season. There would also be a live performance from Dancehall artist Stonebwoy, to add showbiz to sports.
Before the Hearts, Hohoe United game, there would be a curtain raiser between Black Starlets and Auroras (Hearts U-20 team).
Last season’s Ghana Premier League was a true roller-coaster, with inconsistent performances across board. Bibiani Gold Stars defied the odds to emerge champions, and they will now set their sights on defending their crown.
The two traditional giants; Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko; finished 3rd and 4th respectively. While not the dominant force fans expected, they still managed to stay in the top four.
The biggest surprise came from Hearts of Lions, who shocked football lovers with a 2nd-place finish, signaling that Ghanaian football has moved beyond the era of one or two dominant clubs; now, anything is possible.
Some heavyweights, however, underperformed. Defending champions FC Samartex finished 7th, while Medeama SC; winners just a year earlier; slipped to 8th. Both results disappointed fans who expected better from sides with championship pedigree.
At the other end of the table, Accra Lions, Legon Cities, and Nsoatreman were relegated. Nsoatreman’s case was particularly tragic, as the club was banned following a violent incident during a home game against Kotoko, which resulted in the killing of a devoted Kotoko supporter, Francis Yaw Frimpong, popularly known as Pooley.
Replacing them this season are newly promoted Hohoe United, Eleven Wonders, and Swedru All Blacks FC, who will be eager to make their mark in the top flight. With new signings and fresh managers also stepping in, this campaign promises to be one of the most competitive yet.
Players to watch
Benjamin Asare (Hearts of Oak)
The 34-year-old goalkeeper has become the heartbeat of Hearts of Oak. His consistency last season earned him a Black Stars call-up, and his outstanding displays in World Cup qualifiers against Mali cemented his reputation as one of Ghana’s finest.
Joining Hearts from Great Olympics in 2024/25, Asare has been a rock at the back and will be crucial if the Phobians are to mount a title challenge.
Albert Amoah (Asante kotoko)
At just 24, the Porcupine Warriors forward is one of the most exciting attackers in the league.
After arriving from Great Olympics last season, he finished as the second-highest scorer with 12 goals and played a key role in Kotoko’s strong FA Cup run that secured them CAF Confederation Cup qualification. Young, clinical, and hungry, Amoah is expected to be even more dangerous this term.
Samuel Atta Kumi (Bibiani Gold Stars)
Gold Stars’ title-winning campaign was powered by the goals of Atta Kumi, who scored 11 to finish 3rd in the Golden Boot race.
A poacher with a sharp eye for goal, he has carried his fine form into pre-season, scoring in back-to-back matches during the GHALCA Top 4. Expect him to spearhead Gold Stars’ title defense.
Teams to watch
Hearts of Oak
Under new coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani, the Phobians look revived. Despite losing early on to Kotoko, they bounced back with victories against Accra Lions in the Homowo Cup and Kotoko again in the GHALCA Top 4. With key additions like Abdul Karim (free agent from Bechem United) and loan returnees Frimpong Isaac and Asante Gideon, Hearts have depth and ambition to fight for the title.
Asante Kotoko
Kotoko endured a frustrating campaign last season, and fans have not spared head Coach Karim Zito from criticism. Determined to bounce back, the Porcupine Warriors have strengthened with Hamzata Musa (Accra Lions) and free agents Asare Fredrick (Durban City) and Donzo Morifing (Hafia). With Albert Amoah leading their attack, Kotoko remain a powerhouse capable of challenging anyone.
Bibiani Gold Stars
The defending champions, and recent GHALCA Top 4 winners, enter the season brimming with confidence. With continental football also on their schedule, Frimpong Manso’s men will gain invaluable experience in the CAF Champions League. Their strong squad depth and momentum make them genuine contenders to retain the league crown.
Early fixtures
Hearts of Oak
The league kicks-off with Hearts of Oak welcoming newly promoted Hohoe united. Hearts coach Didi Dramani has been impressive and would be looking forward to start the season with a win. Although Hohoe United is a newly promoted side, they can’t be underestimated.
Asante Kotoko
The Berekum Chelsea and Asante Kotoko match has got fans talking, as matches between these two teams has resulted in some humiliating outcomes. They have played 24 matches against Asante Kotoko, winning 10, Berekum Chelsea also winning 7 and 7 matches ended in a draw. Kotoko would be looking forward to replicate what they did last season.
Bibiani Gold Stars
One of the fixtures which have also caught the attention of many is that of the defending champions Bibiani Gold Stars and Bechem United. The GHALCA Top 4 champions of 2025, and the league winners would be looking forward to start their campaign with a win at home. Although Bibiana have being impressive of late, Bechem United can’t be underestimated as they would give the champions a tough time.
Sponsors
The GFA president, Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku announced at the launch of the partnership with Adesa Production, announcing that each of the 18 clubs playing in the league would receive a million Ghana cedis before the start of the season.
He also added that clubs would be given a reasonable amount of money based on their finish in the league log; promoting healthy completion and encouraging teams to strive for excellence.
Conclusion
With the new partnership and initiative put in place, this season would be fascinating and more enjoyable than previous seasons. New signings would also be looking forward to make their impact felt. The issue of hooliganism which took a drastic turn last season should be checked.
The GFA should put in measures that would eradicate the rise of hooliganism in the competition. Fans should also desist from just behaviors, as football is a sport that brings people together.
By Jesse Otoo
