The Chief Executive of The Business Africa Consulting Group Limited (The BAC Group), Dr. Ernest Koranteng says his biggest wish ahead of the new Ghana Premier League (GPL) season is to see Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare stay in the domestic top flight despite growing interest in the Black Stars shot stopper.
Asare has emerged as one of the country’s most sought after players following an outstanding campaign for club and country, with several European clubs reportedly monitoring his situation after his impressive performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
While acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding the goalkeeper’s future, Dr. Koranteng believes Asare’s continued presence in the Ghana Premier League would be a major boost for the competition, helping to attract supporters, increase investment and improve the league’s overall appeal.
The Hearts of Oak goalkeeper was part of Ghana’s squad at the just ended FIFA World Cup, where the Black Stars bowed out in the Round of 32 after suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Colombia.
Asare featured three times during the tournament, coming off the bench in Ghana’s opening 1-0 victory over Panama before earning starts against England and Croatia.
Although he sat out the knockout defeat to Colombia, he finished the tournament with two clean sheets, becoming the first Ghanaian goalkeeper to keep multiple and back to back clean sheets at a FIFA World Cup.
Asare’s Presence Will Benefit the League
Speaking on the goalkeeper’s future, Dr. Koranteng said he would rather see Asare continue his career in Ghana than complete a move elsewhere, insisting the goalkeeper’s growing reputation can elevate the domestic game.
“You know now, I am interested in knowing if Benjamin Asare stays in Hearts of Oak or goes to Kotoko, or goes abroad. I wish Benjamin stays in the Premier League because he’s a big attraction. So there must be a fierce contest between Hearts of Oak and Kotoko whether Benjamin stays or not.”
Dr. , Ernest Koranteng, The Chief Executive of The BAC Group
The BAC Group’s Chief Executive added that Asare’s performances for the Black Stars have significantly raised his profile, making him one of the league’s biggest assets. “I don’t wish for Benjamin to go anywhere else because the attention he’s grabbed impacts the Ghana Premier League. So imagine he stays in the Premier League.“
Call to Keep Top Local Talents
Beyond expressing his desire for Asare to remain, the BAC Group CEO believes Ghanaian clubs should do more to retain their best players by matching offers from elsewhere. “I want the clubs to be able to pay them whatever it is anyone will pay him anywhere to lure him,” he stated.
Dr. Koranteng also mentioned other local players he hopes will continue playing in the Ghana Premier League, arguing that the competition should remain home to the country’s top footballers.
“I want Benjamin to stay in the Premier League because he was in the World Cup as one of the goalkeepers for us. I want Prince Osei to stay in the Premier League because that was the reason he played in the Black Stars for a few games. Salim Adams, all of them.”
Dr. Ernest Koranteng, The Chief Executive of The BAC Group
His comments come amid increasing concerns over the regular departure of talented local players shortly after establishing themselves in the domestic league.
Medeama SC recently transferred their most prized midfielder Salim Adams to Al Hilal in Sudan following his impressive displays that helped the Yellow and Mauves win the league last season.
Building a Stronger Ghana Premier League
According to Dr. Koranteng, retaining players with national team pedigree would make the Ghana Premier League more attractive to supporters while encouraging greater commercial investment.
“I want the Premier League to be the home of the stars as well. So that when we have conversations and people ask the question, who is there for us to go and watch? We say we’ve got Benjamin there, we’ve got Prince Osei there, we’ve got Salim there. We’ve got all these players there. That is what we want for the Ghana Premier League. It’s competitiveness, attraction, the investment, the resourcefulness.”
Dr. Ernest Koranteng
Asare’s rise over the past years has been remarkable. He played a pivotal role in Hearts of Oak recording 24 clean sheets in 34 Ghana Premier League matches last season, alongside backup keeper Solomon Agbasi, who also travelled with Ghana’s World Cup contingent despite missing out on the official 26-man squad.
Asare accounted for more than half of Hearts’ clean sheets, underlining his influence between the posts.
With interest in the goalkeeper expected to intensify before the transfer window closes, Dr. Koranteng remains hopeful that one of Ghana’s brightest talents will continue to grace the domestic league, believing his presence would enhance the quality, visibility and marketability of the Ghana Premier League.
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