Databank’s Chief Executive Officer, Kojo Addae-Mensah, has called on the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to implement stringent measures to combat gambling and match-fixing in the Ghana Premier League.
His plea follows remarks from Dr Daniel McKorley, Executive Chairman of McDan Group of Companies that gambling issues are a major reason he hesitates to sponsor the league.
Acknowledging the seriousness of the issue during an interview on Asempa FM‘s Ultimate Sports Show, Addae-Mensah stated, “We don’t have clear evidence, but there’s no smoke without fire.”
He stressed the importance of establishing deterrent measures to dissuade players and club officials from participating in betting activities.
“Betting can’t be completely eradicated, but there should be laws and frameworks in place that make those involved think twice,” he added.
Mr. Addae-Mensah also cautioned that the future of the league could be in jeopardy without robust action, pointing to instances in the cricket world where betting scandals have tarnished the sport.
He emphasized that while betting is a significant global industry, effective regulation is crucial to safeguarding the integrity of sports.
In related news, Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku mentioned in a recent media briefing in Sunyani that efforts are ongoing to secure a new headline sponsor for the Ghana Premier League.
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