Hohoe United has surprised the local football community by deciding to leave the Ghana Premier League with just seven games left in the season.
The club made this decision on April 1 after an emergency meeting with its board and management, bringing an early end to what was supposed to be Hohoe United’s first season in the top division.
Sitting in the relegation places, the club has managed 30 points from 27 games and was already confronting a tough challenge to retain its top-flight status. Club officials, however, argue that their difficulties have been compounded by several factors, most notably an overly punitive and ill-timed disciplinary sanction, alongside persistent concerns about refereeing standards and the overall management of their matches. Hohoe United are particularly aggrieved that the punishment was enforced so late in the season, when every game is crucial in the fight against relegation.
The numbers support their concerns. Hohoe United earned 20 of their 30 points at home, underscoring the importance of their home ground to their survival. The ban has taken away that advantage at a key moment in the season.
Because of the ban, only one of their last seven games would be at their home stadium. The other six are set to be played away from Hohoe, even when the club is officially the home team. Club officials say this unfair schedule has made it much harder for them to avoid relegation.
In addition to the stadium ban, Hohoe United has also complained about what they see as inconsistent refereeing and how their matches have been handled all season, making their tough first year even harder.
Sources say the club has not yet officially told the Ghana Football Association about its withdrawal. If they confirm the decision, Hohoe United could face more penalties under league rules.
This situation has started a broader discussion about when disciplinary actions are taken, the quality of refereeing, and fairness in the league.
For Hohoe United, what was supposed to be a historic first season in the Premier League now looks set to end in controversy, with possible effects that could last beyond this season.
