Mahama concerned by exodus of young talents from Ghana Premier League

President John Dramani Mahama has voiced concern over the growing trend of young Ghanaian footballers leaving the domestic league too early, warning that it is weakening the quality of local football.

Speaking on Tuesday during a courtesy call by Nations FC, Medeama SC and Ampem Darkoa Ladies at the Jubilee House, Mahama said promising players are often snapped up by scouts before they have the chance to fully develop in Ghana.

“We’re too fast to sell our players. As soon as a player starts to show some promise, then the scouts pick him and take him away. And so it depletes the local league,” he said.

The President called for measures to keep talented players in the Ghana Premier League for longer periods, arguing that they would benefit from gaining experience at both club and international level before moving abroad.

“We must see how we can keep them a bit longer. At least give them opportunities in the national team so that they get experience in playing on the international platform,” Mahama added.

According to him, exposure to international football would help players mature and improve their overall development before attracting interest from overseas clubs.

“Eventually the international scouts or our local scouts, they would have matured to a certain level and then we’ll take them away,” he said.

Mahama's comments come amid continued concerns over the impact of the early departure of top talents on the competitiveness and appeal of Ghana's domestic league.