Football and its chain of economic impact has always been adored by the bookmakers. The largest and the most rewarding sport in the world, giving jobs to millions; from being on the field, sitting in the studio or doing the market on some dusty shelves during match days.
The football business has a similar pattern across the globe; in Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana – the story is long missed since both the Giants and the Wisest clubs both got pinned by “ants and dull-witted”.
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Ghana’s top on the pyramid competition, Ghana Premier League gathers more than necessary percentage of the media attention – unlike Division One League where media attention is blur even at the closest.
It was the era that Gyandu Park owned the region’s buzz.
Hasaacas and Eleven Wise: the two famous former Ghana Premier League clubs are currently competing in the second and third competitions on the football pyramid respectively – the former are the latest club to compete in the Ghana Premier League some 4 years ago – lost their slot in a mere point difference with Techiman City FC despite a last day 3–0 win against Wa All Stars.
So, in the absence of Eleven Wise and Hasaacas: how’s the media faring, what are the economical lost at a city that all they’ve known is football at the top level?
Evidently, the major jab will be Hasaacas’s Ibrahim Sanah won’t be seen for his incredible set piece abilities – placing Adebayor of Inter Allies at a god position when comparing the two, and the beautiful runs and skill of Prince Opoku will fetch him low price tag to Bibiani Gold Stars(an ambitious topflight hopeful).
Projection of quality players is missing, the umbilical cord of the region’s contribution to national cause is sat on by another who’s in-time best positioned – how best has it been done since?
The significance of the proceedings from economic injections lost due to the absence of these two clubs are in largesse per recounts by the media personnel who witnessed games at the Gyandu Park.
A flashback to when the marriage between the nation and the region bore good fruits largely in the name of these two clubs; juvenile teams, the senior team, Olympic games, women football – exactly, Sekondi nnyim a oye dew(it’s not sweet if Sekondi is not in).
What are the views of some of the senior journalists who witnessed the “era of football made in Sekondi” and juxtaposing that to now: economic benefits and enjoying the goodies as a sports journalists or reporter?
Stephen Kwame Yeboah shared this nostalgic view, recounting a particular game involving Hasaacas and Eleven Wise.
“I think that the absence of Eleven Wise, Hasaacas has affected the region immensely, I joined Kyzz FM in December 2004 – there was this game between Hasaacas and Asante Kotoko in 2006. John Ainoo(Pao) scored the first goal and I was at Essikafo Ambantem Number 2(about 8KM away), I heard the echo of the shout of Dooooo! inside the studio.
“Eleven Wise was in Division One League back then yet the competitive nature of their games and the business level is always there.
“The standard of journalism and content has taken a nosedive because the relatability isn’t there – sometimes when you sit back and look out the way things are going – it doesn’t look good for the upcoming journalists. Stations now resort tapping to shows from Accra and Kumasi, it doesn’t look good” – Stephen Kwame Yeboah.
Benjamin Quansah – who’s the communication’s director of Sekondi Hasaacas FC and the Head of Sport of Connect FM took to some business angles.
“Business was booming when these two teams were both in premier. People travel from far and near to the stadium to do business irrespective of the type of item/items one is selling.
“The general atmosphere in Sekondi-Takoradi Trotro and taxi stations are enough to tell you that, you stay in the house at your own risk as these drivers will be seen busily carrying anxious supporters to the stadium and back after matches.
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“CEOs of the various media houses before Sunday or Wednesday, (match days), will be having numerous meetings with their sports department to ensure very clear quality commentary on that day as no station would want others to have the bragging rights on the commentary.
“Sports journalists in the region are hailed and praised after running good commentary at the Sekondi stadium. On a match day, every Tom and Jerry will be at the stadium making money out of selling or watching game to entertain himself and also to ease pressure for the coming week” – Benjamin Quansah.
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