The promotion of Swedru All Blacks and Hohoe United to the Ghana Premier League is set to generate a wave of economic activity in their respective hometowns. For Swedru, it marks a return to top-flight football after more than a decade away.
Swedru sealed their promotion with a 3-0 win over New Edubiase, their 21st victory in 29 matches, amassing 66 points.
For Hohoe, it is a historic first, sealing their place in the top league with a 3-1 victory over Inter Allies at the Hohoe Stadium. Both towns are now preparing for the commercial and infrastructural impact that often accompanies elite-level football in Ghana.
Matchday Commerce Set to Accelerate
Premier League fixtures bring a steady influx of visitors, including fans, team personnel, match officials and media crews. This activity creates an immediate boost for local businesses in both towns. In Swedru, a commercial hub in the Central Region, and Hohoe, a key transit and trade town in the Volta Region, the potential for increased foot traffic is significant.
Street vendors, transport operators, hospitality providers and other service-based enterprises are expected to benefit from higher demand on matchdays. Based on trends observed in other regional towns hosting Premier League games, such events can lead to notable increases in weekend revenue across the informal and formal sectors.
Investment in Facilities and Public Infrastructure
Participation in the Ghana Premier League requires clubs to meet specific infrastructure standards set by the Ghana Football Association. These include improvements in stadium safety, seating capacity, lighting and locker room facilities. Such upgrades can spur broader investment in public amenities.
In many cases, clubs receive municipal support or attract private capital to improve surrounding infrastructure, including roads, signage and utility services. Swedru and Hohoe could see accelerated development efforts if local authorities align with the clubs’ ambitions to create suitable matchday environments.
National Exposure and Place Branding
Premier League games are regularly televised and receive broad media coverage. This visibility extends to host towns, offering Swedru and Hohoe a chance to reposition themselves on the national map.
The media attention that comes with elite football often enhances a town’s profile, influencing perceptions among investors, event organizers and tourists. Enhanced visibility can also drive interest in commercial real estate, stimulate retail activity and improve prospects for local entrepreneurs.
Football-Driven Employment and Youth Development
The football economy
For young people, the presence of a Premier League team creates new pathways into sport-related careers. Hohoe United and Swedru All Blacks will now have greater access to sponsorship revenue, television rights payments and development grants. This financial uplift can be reinvested in youth academies, training programs and community outreach initiatives.
Sport as a Regional Growth Driver
The promotion of these two clubs spotlights the economic potential of football in Ghana’s regional development agenda. With the 2025–26 Ghana Premier League season approaching, Swedru and Hohoe are emerging as case studies of how sport can drive local economic renewal.
Their rise also underscores the importance of community-rooted football clubs in revitalizing the domestic game. The visibility and commercial energy these towns will experience will ultimately encourage other clubs to deepen local engagement and aspire to sustainable growth. For the league itself, the addition of new, geographically diverse teams strengthens its national footprint and appeal.
