Agyeman Badu laments terrible salaries for local players, suggests threshold

Emmanuel Agyeman Badu spoke about low salaries in the Ghana Premier League. He mentioned some players earn only GHS400 or GHS500 a month.

"The boys are really suffering in this country," he said. Badu shared his concerns during an interview on Accra 100.5 FM’s Ayekoo Ayekoo show.

He noted that some players struggle to meet their basic needs. "Ask yourself how much football boots are," he added.

Badu highlighted the long distances underprivileged players travel for training. He attributed this to "terrible systems" in Ghana.

He acknowledged that teams like Hearts, Kotoko, and Medeama pay better salaries. However, he criticized the overall conditions in local football.

Badu pointed out that lack of sponsorship contributes to these issues. Poor salaries push players to seek opportunities abroad.

He recognized government efforts to improve infrastructure for football. Still, he urged the state to inject more money into the league.

Badu suggested reducing the number of teams in the league. He compared it to Scotland and Belgium, where teams are fewer.

"Prioritize those who can finance and pay players well," he advised. He believes cutting down teams would help maintain player consistency.

Better pay could reduce talent exodus and keep supporters engaged, he argued. "If you sell off all your stars after a year, who will fans see?"

Badu proposed a financial threshold for teams similar to Bank of Ghana's licensing rules. If finances are weak, they shouldn't be allowed in the league.

With fewer teams playing home and away multiple times, there would be more money available. This way, clubs could retain players and attract fans to watch them play.