Our History
Nearly seven decades of passion, drama, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
The Early Years
Football in Ghana predates the nation itself. During the colonial period, regional football associations organized competitions across the Gold Coast.
1920: Sir Gordon Guggisberg established the Accra Football League. Hearts of Oak dominated this era, winning the inaugural Guggisberg Shield.
1956: The United Gold Coast Amateur Football Association launched the first truly national league.
1957: Ghana gained independence on March 6, 1957. The football association was renamed the Ghana Amateur Football Association (GAFA).
Key Moments in GPL History
First Proper Season
Eight pioneering clubs competed. Hearts of Oak claimed the inaugural title.
First Proper Season
Eight pioneering clubs competed. Hearts of Oak claimed the inaugural title.
Professional Era Begins
The league officially turned professional with 16 clubs competing.
Professional Era Begins
The league officially turned professional with 16 clubs competing.
Continental Triumph
Hearts of Oak achieved an unprecedented treble: GPL, FA Cup, and CAF Champions League.
Continental Triumph
Hearts of Oak achieved an unprecedented treble: GPL, FA Cup, and CAF Champions League.
Confederation Cup Glory
Hearts of Oak won the CAF Confederation Cup.
Confederation Cup Glory
Hearts of Oak won the CAF Confederation Cup.
League Suspended
The league was suspended following the Anas investigative documentary. The 2017/18 season was annulled.
League Suspended
The league was suspended following the Anas investigative documentary. The 2017/18 season was annulled.
New Leadership
Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku elected GFA President in October 2019.
New Leadership
Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku elected GFA President in October 2019.
The Transformation
Ghana Premiership Football Company Limited and Adesa Productions partnership launched.
The Transformation
Ghana Premiership Football Company Limited and Adesa Productions partnership launched.
All-Time Champions
Legendary Players
The GPL has been the launching pad for some of Africas greatest talents:
- Abedi Pele - Three-time African Footballer of the Year
- Asamoah Gyan - Ghanas all-time leading scorer
- Michael Essien - Started at Liberty Professionals, became Chelsea star
- Stephen Appiah - GPL product who captained Ghana at the 2010 World Cup
- Sulley Muntari - Rose through the ranks to play for Inter Milan and AC Milan
- Samuel Kuffour - Three-time Ghana Player of the Year, UEFA Champions League winner
The Tragedy of May 9, 2001
The rivalry between Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko carries a solemn memory. On May 9, 2001, during a league match at the Accra Sports Stadium, 127 people died in Africa's worst football disaster. Crowd trouble erupted after a controversial refereeing decision, leading to a stampede. This tragedy forever changed stadium safety protocols in Ghana.
The Legacy Grows
From colonial football pitches to continental glory, from tragedy to triumph, the Ghana Premier League continues to write its story—one matchday at a time.