Former Accra Hearts of Oak midfielder, Esme Papa Mends, is worried about the dwindling fortunes of the Ghana Premier League in recent times, stressing the league is ‘dead’ hence the enthusiasm of Ghanaians to jump in to support the Black Stars.

There is a growing disinterest in Ghana’s first-tier league with clubs struggling to raise enough spectators on match days.

While others believe the poor nature of playing fields, player exodus and poor officiating have contributed to this trend, some say the problem could be as a result of inadequate financial resources to push the league.

Luv Fm and Nhyira Fm launched a radio campaign to highlight factors affecting low attendance to premier league matches and champion recommendations to improve patronage of the local league.

Speaking to Stephen Zando in an interview with LUV FM in Kumasi, Esme Mends raised the issue of lack of investment in Ghana’s top-flight league, which has occasioned poor patronage of the local league.

“It’s even worse and it’s about funding, proper investment in our league. If we fail to do that, we will talk and talk, we will not get anywhere.

“Accra Hearts of Oak, my former club, is almost 112 years old. We are about to complete our Pobiman project, it took us over 100 years to get that thing done.

“I believe Asante Kotoko is still marking time, Ashanti Gold, we know where they are now. Where is Hasaacas? Where is Okwawu United? Where are all these teams?” he quizzed.

Comparing the standard of the league during his playing days to today, Esme Mends who spent five years at Accra Hearts of Oak between 2008 and 2013, opined Ghana football is dead but can be revived with proper investment.

“There is no investment, our football is dead so we jump straight to the Black Stars. If the local league is not that exciting, people turn to wait for the Black Stars to give them joy and excitement,” he said.

The hashtag for the campaign is #FillGPLCenters.