Over the years, the Upper East Region has witnessed the rise and fall of many football clubs that once made a strong impression both locally and nationally.
These clubs produced talented players who went on to play for various teams within and outside the region, and even for the national teams.
The likes of Atiah Sumaila, Baba Arrow, Majeed “Scorpion,” Sulle Bello, Odenke, David Atanga Doona, Fatawu Bello (Fatawu Bomba), Abubakar Yussif (Coach Abelle), Abdulai Abubakari Ouedraogo (Abuba Thunder), Mallam Abubakar, Aber-Inga Ayinbilla, Joseph Apana (Coach Apana), and Anaba Arafat (“That Is the Way”) are just a few of the household names nurtured right here in the region who made headway across the length and breadth of the country.
Some of the notable football clubs in the Upper East Region that have gone defunct over the years include Jallo FC, Mighty Rocks, Young Mighty (also known as Bolga Man City), Upper Stars, Catholic Stars, Catholic Cardinals, Inter Milan, No Weapons FC, and Young Juventus. Others are Bawku AC Milan, Bawku Wonderful Babies, Great Uppers, Upper East United, Bongo United, Bawku United, Navrongo FC, Nankass FC, Achula United, Bolga All Stars FC, Pwulugu United, Tongo Barcelona FC, Bawku Market Complex, Bawku Mandela FC, Winter FC, Tanga FC, Union Rovers, Gambibgo Ashford FC, Gbimisi Stars, Namoo Young Catholic Stars, Feo Mighty Arrows, Saabo FC, and Soe Millennium Stars. These clubs once brought excitement and pride to local football but have since faded due to a combination of financial, administrative, and infrastructural challenges.
Why Do These Clubs Go Defunct?
After a series of inquiries and research involving some prominent individuals who have dedicated their lives to sports, it was confirmed that most clubs folded due to lack of funding, mismanagement, and victimization.
Many club owners are passionate about football but lack the financial muscle to sustain operations. Others, due to limited understanding of the regulations governing the sport, have suffered from protest cases leading to demotion to lower divisions — causing them to lose motivation to continue.
Investigations also revealed that some clubs became defunct due to victimization — being subjected to exploitation, abuse, or unfair treatment by others. The lack of a healthy football environment and inadequate playing facilities further contributed to the collapse of many clubs.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) requires clubs to have suitable facilities that meet specific standards. Unfortunately, the Upper East Region lacks such infrastructure, forcing teams to play home matches in other regions. This increased operational costs and created logistical challenges, eventually leading to financial collapse.
Moreover, limited financial support, widespread poverty, and the absence of wealthy investors in football have made it difficult for clubs in the region to sustain themselves.
As a region with only about 24 Division Two clubs, the question remains: why do some individuals still discourage others from investing in football? Perhaps, as some would say, these are questions only the gods can answer.
Source: A1Radioonline.com | 101.1 MHz | Cletus Aduko | Bolgatanga
