The wait is over for football fans who have waited patiently to cheer up their teams at the various league match centres

This follows a statement by the Ministry of Youth and Sports on Tuesday, January 5, that the restriction on spectators at the various stadia has been lifted.

The statement signed by Minister of Youth and Sports, Isaac Asiamah said, this was occasioned by the country’s strides in the fight against the deadly virus.

It added that the government has therefore decided to ease the restriction of playing football behind close doors to allow 25 percent on spectators into the various stadia.

The statement added that the inter-ministerial committee would continuously monitor the COVID-19 situation and appropriately advise.

Background

On Sunday, September 2020, the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo during the Update 17 on the measure taken against the spread of COVID-19 said, “With respect to football, after due consultation with the Ghana Football Association, it has been decided that the Ghana Premier League and the Division One Football League will restart on Friday, October 30, with full regime test of players, technical and management staff. No Spectators will be allowed into the training centers, and, when the actual competition resumes, seating at the stadia will be limited to only 25 Percent capacity to ensure social distancing. Wearing of mask by spectators will be mandatory.”

However, this notwithstanding, there was a spike in the cases of COVID-19 before November, and as a result the Ministry issued a directive to put the earlier announcement by the on hold.

Against this backdrop, football matches have since been played behind closed doors in the country .

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme