Deputy Communications Manager of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Tophic Sienu strongly disagrees with recent claims by Daniel McKorley of McDan Group of Companies, that the Ghana Premier League is heavily influenced by gambling.
In an interview on Asempa FM, McKorley, who has made significant contributions to sports development in Ghana, expressed concerns about the impact of gambling on the country’s top football division, stating, “I can sponsor the Ghana Premier League, but the gambling is too much.”
Responding to these remarks, Sheikh Tophic acknowledged McKorley’s good intentions but argued that his views reflect a lack of direct engagement with the league.
“First of all, Mr. McKorley spoke with a very clean heart. For somebody to comment about something wrong with the product means it bothers him.
“Because, if you don’t follow the product, you wouldn’t know what is going on. What it means is that he does not follow our league.
“He follows football as a fan. In fact, he is a board member of Great Olympics, and he pumps a lot of money into the team. So when he says this, then it means that he only listens to what is said in the media.
“Even if you put a pistol to his head to mention which teams have been involved in betting, he would not be able to,” Sheikh added.
The GFA official also called on the media to play a more constructive role in promoting the league positively, helping to counter negative perceptions.
He encouraged McKorley to join efforts aimed at improving the image and integrity of the Ghana Premier League. The top-flight division is expected to commence in early September.
