The incumbent President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has lifted the restrictions on football to allow spectators into the stadium and various match centres with a capacity of twenty-five percent(25%).
It will be recalled that, On Sunday, September 20, 2020, president Akufo-Addo in his Update No.17 on measures taken by government to prevent the spread of Coronavirus, announced the easing of restrictions on football noting that “With respect to football, after due consultations with the Ghana Football Association, it has been decided that the Ghana Premier League and the Division One Football League will restart on Friday, 30th October, with a full regime of testing of the players, technical and management staff”.
“No spectators will be allowed at the training centres, and, when actual competition resumes, seating at all stadia will be limited to twenty-five percent (25%) capacity to ensure social distancing. Wearing of masks by spectators at stadia will be mandatory.”
However, before November 2020, there was a spike in the country’s Coronavirus cases which necessitated the issuance of an administrative directive from the Ministry of Youth and Sports that the 25 percent seating capacity announced earlier should be put on hold and that football matches should be played behind closed doors.
According to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, this administrative directive was in consonance with the President’s desire to protect lives and livelihoods.
“Ghana has made significant progress in combating the disease of late, it added.
A statement issued by the Ministry of Youth and Sports revealed 25% of fans will be allowed entry during match days.
“Government has therefore eased the restriction of playing behind closed doors. Seating at all stadia will therefore be limited to twenty-five percent (25%) capacity as previously announced by the President”.
These fans will however undergo the various COVID-19 safety protocols before accessing the stadia.
“All existing safety and hygiene protocols are still in force”.
The Inter-Ministerial Taskforce will continue to monitor the evolving Covid-19 situation and will advise when more spectators will be allowed to all stadia in the country, the statement read.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports expressed their profound gratitude to all stakeholders, particularly the Ghana Football Association for their cooperation.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Premier League enters its eighth week with Karela United leading the table with 14 points.
