Former Ebusua Dwarfs defender and ex-Black Stars centre-back Rashid Sumaila has called for the introduction of a quota system for Ghana Premier League players in the national teams, arguing that the policy could help revive interest in the domestic league and attract more corporate sponsorship.
According to Sumaila, guaranteed opportunities for outstanding home-based players in the Black Stars and other national teams would provide greater motivation for players competing in the domestic league while strengthening the commercial appeal of the Ghana Premier League.
He made the call during the unveiling of new jerseys and kits for Adisadel Youth Sporting Club (AYSC) ahead of the 2026/2027 Division Two Middle League in Cape Coast in the Central Region.
Unveiling of new jerseys and kits for Adisadel Youth Sporting Club (AYSC)
Sumaila, who is a Board Member of AYSC, said the limited number of Ghana Premier League players selected for the Black Stars has generated concerns among stakeholders, particularly as the national team increasingly relies on players based abroad.
He noted that several talented players in the domestic league often feel overlooked despite putting in strong performances for their respective clubs.
In his view, creating a structured pathway for top-performing local players to earn places in the national teams would increase competition and encourage players to improve their performance, discipline and professionalism.
Sumaila cited the recent inclusion of Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare in the Black Stars squad for the World Cup qualifiers as an example of how opportunities at the national level can boost the confidence and morale of locally based players.
He argued that if such opportunities were institutionalised, corporate organisations could be more willing to invest in the Ghana Premier League because of the strong connection between the domestic competition and the country’s biggest football brand, the Black Stars.
“A vibrant Premier League with national team prospects will attract more fans to the stadiums and more sponsors to the clubs,” his position suggested.
The former national team defender, however, acknowledged that local players must also demonstrate that they deserve such opportunities.
He stressed that any quota system should not become an avenue for players to gain automatic selection without merit, insisting that beneficiaries must maintain high standards of performance, discipline and professionalism.
Sumaila therefore urged the technical handlers of the Black Stars to pay closer attention to the Ghana Premier League during the 2026/2027 season and identify players capable of competing at the international level.
His proposal comes despite the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) position that it will not introduce a quota system for Ghana Premier League players in the Black Stars ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum likewise maintained that selections for the national teams will be based purely on merit, rejecting calls for guaranteed places for locally based players.
Meanwhile, Chairman of Adisadel Youth Sporting Club, Isaac Tettey, popularly known as Obutey, also spoke about the club’s vision and objectives for the new season.
Isaac Tettey, Chairman , Adisadel Youth Sporting Club
He highlighted some of the difficulties confronting Division Two clubs and outlined the club’s ambitions as it prepares for the 2026/2027 campaign.
The unveiling of the new jerseys and kits forms part of AYSC’s preparations for the upcoming season, as the club seeks to strengthen its competitiveness and pursue its sporting objectives.
Story by Kwame Kakraba
