Former Dreams FC goalkeeper Lord Bawa Martey, has shed light on the challenging circumstances surrounding the well-being and living conditions of players in the Ghana Premier League.
Speaking to Saddick Adams, Martey emphasised that the compensation provided to players in Ghana’s top-tier football competition is far from satisfactory, with many players earning meagre salaries.
He revealed that, in 2023, some players will still earn as little as GH300 cedis while participating as professionals in the Ghana Premier League.
Martey also highlighted the unfortunate trend where clubs often neglect players, particularly when they suffer serious injuries, leaving them to fend for themselves.
In light of these challenges, he advised players in the Ghana Premier League to seriously consider any promising offers from foreign clubs, as such opportunities could significantly improve their financial prospects.
“Even though it’s our profession and we believe in our talent, we don’t get the needed recognition. It is not reflected in our salaries. If we were to list our worries, we would not end. I chose not to sign for any team this season due to reasons best known to me. I had a lot of offers but I rejected them due to previous experiences.
“You could get injured in the line of duty and no one would mind you. We still have players who earn as little as GHC300 cedis. Assuming you are paid GH ₵300, how do you survive monthly? What motivates us is the desire to earn some recognition for our family and team. We see the Ghana Premier League as a stepping stone so if God helps us, we will get deals.
“If a colleague tells me he wants to play in Togo, I will advise him to go because there is no money in this league. I once listened to an ex-player who lamented that he got nothing from winning multiple goal-king awards. If the opportunity comes for you to travel, grab it because it’s good,” he said.
Bawa Martey also rejected the commonly held belief that the majority of Ghanaian footballers are promiscuous. He dismissed these accusations and argued that many players are compelled to engage in such behavior as a means to address their basic survival and financial requirements.
“It’s not easy having a girlfriend in this setting. We are often accused of being womanisers but it’s not true. Assuming I’m playing for a team in Tamale and I’m on a GH₵500 a month salary and, by grace, I get to date a waakye seller who gifts me waakye for free, I will have to work for it,” he said.
Bawa Martey, formerly associated with Dreams FC, is presently without a club after not managing to secure a contract extension with the team.
In the 2023/2024 Ghana Premier League season, which commenced on Friday, September 15, 2023, both Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko experienced difficulties in securing victories.
Hearts of Oak endured a late 1-0 defeat against Real Tamale United, while Asante Kotoko struggled to secure a single point in their match against Hearts of Lions at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday, September 17, 2023.