100 Greatest Ghana Premier League players of all time 2025: The Ghana Premier League is the country’s highest league on the football pyramid with its inaugural season dating back to the year 1958.
Thousands of stars have featured in the GPL including expatriate talents for notable clubs such as Asante Kotoko, Obuasi Ashantigold, and Accra Hearts of Oak.
Picking out the most outstanding hundred footballers of all time of a league with a 66-year history is certainly challenging. But, we have given it a try.
If you like to know how we selected our 100 from the lots, then check out the key decision-making factors we deployed below.
100 Greatest Ghana Premier League players of all time 2025: Ranking factors
1.Individual talent
2.Titles
3.Consistency and longevity
4.Influence
5.Individual awards
Heading into 2025, with our ranking indicators considered, here are the top 100 Ghana Premier League footballers of all time.
100.William Tiero
Notable GPL teams: Liberty Professionals, Asante Kotoko
Position: Midfielder
For pure offensive midfield play, William Kwabena Tiero was a delight to watch. He played an essential role to qualify Ghana to the Germany 2006 World Cup for the first time in the country’s annals.
Tiero does not make a strong case in terms of trophies and longevity, but he is up there regrading skill set.
99.Mahatma Ottoo
Notable GPL teams: Sporting Mirren, Hearts of Oak
Position: Forward
The goal source scored all types of goals from – freekicks, headers, thunderbolts, and point-blank goals.
He scored 20 times to win the 2012-13 GPL top scorer award. Just like Tiero, Ottoo’s inclusion was based more on his striking quality.
98.Micahel Asante
Notable GPL teams: Great Olympics Asante Kotoko
Position: Midfielder
The late combative midfielder was one of the finest players in his position between 2000 and 2005, making bigger name for himself when he joined the Porcupine Warriors.
He signed for Kotoko in May 2003 and played a crucial role to their title success under Karim Abdul Razak.
97.Dan Coleman
Notable GPL teams: Hearts of Oak
Position: Defender
Coleman was not among the most technical defenders, but he was a leading name when it comes to aggressive and no-nonsense style of play.
Mostly remembered for sitting on Eric Bekoe in Hearts of Oak – Kotoko games, the bulky center back sent lots of opposition players to the hospital.
96.Hesse Odamtten
Notable GPL teams: Hearts of Oak, Standfast
Position: Defender
The Hearts of Oak great was best known for his tough-tackling playing style and takes the 96th position on the 100 Greatest Ghana Premier League players of all time 2025 list.
95.Shila Alhassan
Notable GPL teams: Asante Kotoko
Position: Forward
Shilla was famed for his late-goal scoring penchant, referred to as ”mallam goal” by Ghanaian soccer fans.
94.Alex Asamoah
Notable GPL teams: Ashantigold, Asante Kotoko, Eleven Wonders
Position: Striker
Despite his petite frame, Asamoah tormented GPL defenders consistently and scored goals for fun for Asante Kotoko, Ashantigold, and Techiman Eleven Wonders.
He was direct, powerful, and pacy. His reliable strikes, including the 16 efforts in 2008-09 as the league’s top scorer, did not lead to major silverware, but he made his name surely in the pantheon of finest GPL number 9’s of the 21st century.
93.Stephen Tetteh
Notable GPL teams: Hearts of Oak
Position: Defender
The defender was not an absolute starter during Hearts of Oak’s most dominant period between 1996 and 2002, but Tetteh played well whenever he had the chance.
92.Harrison Afful
Notable GPL teams: Feyenoord, Asante Kotoko
Position: Defender
The Feyenoord academy product moved to Asante Kotoko in 2007 and immediately set the GPL on fire with his ultra-attacking full-back play, leading them to the 2008 title under Bashiru Hayford.
Afful rightfully deserves a place on the 100 Greatest Ghana Premier League players of all time 2025 list.
91.Samuel Inkoom
Notable GPL teams: Hasaacas, Asante Kotoko
Position: Defender
Inkoom, winner of the 2008 GPL with Kotoko, was respected as a modern full-back, not satisfied with defensive role only, but also bombed forward to support the attacking play.
90.Godfred Saka
Notable GPL teams: Aduana Stars/Aduana FC
Position: Defender
Would Aduana have been able to achieve all that success without Godfred Saka?
The skillful right-back Imposed himself as the leading full-back in the land between 2009 and 2017.
89.Emmanuel Akuoko
Notable GPL teams: Aduana Stars/Aduana FC
Position: Defender
The tough central defender is potentially the greatest Aduana player of all time, playing a significant role in their two league successes in 2009 and 2017.
He was loyal to the Dormaa side and consistent over a long period of time before retiring from the game.
88.Edmund Copson
Notable GPL teams: Hearts of Oak, Asante Kotoko
Position: Midfielder
Copson aka ”Ginseng” was a famous figure in Hearts of Oak’s all-conquering side between 1996 and 2002.
The all-round midfielder, reputed for long-range strikes, won 3 league honors in 1999, 2000, and 2001.
87.Papa Arkoh
Notable GPL teams: Asante Kotoko
Position: Forward
The 100 Greatest Ghana Premier League players of all time 2025 list includes Arko because he was a main part of Kotoko in the league between the late 1970s and early 80s.
He skippered the team to the 1983 double of the GPL and the Champions League.
86.Quao Badu
Notable GPL teams: BA United, Bofoakwa Tano
Position: Goalkeeper
Concerning crowd pullers, the goalkeeping prodigy is among the very best and sits at position number 86.
Those who saw Robert Mensah do wonders say the closest Ghana came to replacing Mensah’s goalkeeping artistry and flair was Quao Badu ”Papio”.
85.Fatau Dauda
Notable GPL teams: Okwahu United, Ashantigold
Position: Goalkeeper
Dauda’s headline performances for Ashantigold saw him become Ghana national team’s first-choice goalkeeper at the 2013 AFCON in South Africa.
He did not win any major cups with the Obuasi side, but he is considered for his talent.
84.Waké Nibombe
Notable GPL teams: Ashantigold
Position: Goalkeeper
The Togolese goalkeeping icon marked the history of the GPL without winning it. He was adored by Ashgold fans and those from rival teams alike thanks to his brilliance in between the sticks.
It is justified to mention his name on the 100 Greatest Ghana Premier League players of all time 2025 list.
83.George Owu
Notable GPL teams: Ashantigold, Asante Kotoko, Hasaacas, Ebusua Dwarfs
Position: Goalkeeper
Owu was part of the Black Stars team that qualified for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, starting and keeping a clean sheet in the 2-0 away win at South Africa and was taken to Germany for the tournament finals – achieving all this as a home-based player.
The goalkeeping legend won the 2003 GPL with Kotoko.
82.Joseph Hendricks
Notable GPL teams: Asante Kotoko, Ashantigold
Position: Defender
One of the most feared GPL defenders in his prime, Joseph Hendricks ”Oreba” was a controlling center-back.
During his time in Oseikurom, the Reds won the 2003 and 2005 league titles under Abdul Razak and E.K Afranie respectively.
81.Godfred Yeboah
Notable GPL teams: BA United, Asante Kotoko
Position: Defender
The left-back, who passed away in August 2021 aged 41, earned the moniker ”TV3” for the precision of his passes. No defender passed the ball better than he did.
The full-back, who earned 3 caps for the Black Stars, came to prominence while at Sunyani-side BA United before Kotoko signed him. ”Dada” went ahead to win two GPL trophies in Kumasi in 2003 and 2005.
80.Ntow Gyan
Notable GPL teams: BA United, Asante Kotoko
Position: Midfielder
The powerful midfielder makes the cut for his energetic, consistent, and physical play for United and Kotoko.
Ntow Gyan had a reputation for acrobatic and stunning goals.
79.George Arthur
Notable GPL teams: BA United, Asante Kotoko
Position: Forward
After establishing himself as the best attacker at BA United in the early 1980s, Arthur was recruited by Asante Kotoko where he won two league titles with the Reds.
”King” George then took his career to Egypt where he starred for the great Al Ahly.
78.Michael Osei
Notable GPL teams: Asante Kotoko
Position: Winger
Affectionately known as ”Ember power”, Osei tormented GPL defenders with his speed for years. He was a smart forward and operated more as a right or left winger.
77.Nana Arhin Duah
Notable GPL teams: Ashantigold, Asante Kotoko
Position: Striker
Duah may not have scored lots of goals, but he was the scorer of important ones, the goals that mattered such as big-game efforts and title-deciding strikes.
The former Black Stars attacker secured three league crowns with Kotoko in 2003, 2005, and 2008.
76.Isaac Boakye
Notable GPL teams: Ashantigold, Asante Kotoko
Position: Striker
In terms of ambidexterity, few players compared to Isaac Boakye ”Magic”. He scored good number of goals with both feet, most of which came from outside the penalty area.
The 17-capped Black Stars striker was crucial to Kotoko’s 2003 league success under Abdul Razak.
75.Edmund Owusu Ansah
Notable GPL teams: Asante Kotoko, Heart of Lions
Position: Midfielder
His ability to control and dictate the tempo of the game made him one of the league’s top midfielders between 2003 and 2010.
Popularly known as ”Owuo” by his friends, Owusu Ansah was an aggressive anchorman and supported his teams offensively.
74.Prince Tagoe
Notable GPL teams: Hearts of Oak
Position: Striker
The ‘‘Prince of Goals’’ was the real deal in the Ghana Premier League during his brief stint at Hearts of Oak.
The gangling forward hit 18 goals to help Hearts of Oak to the 2004-05 novelty league and was the scorer of the only goal in the season’s final match as the Phobians pipped rivals Asante Kotoko to the title.
73.Ahmed Toure
Notable GPL teams: Asante Kotoko, Bechem United, Medeama
Position: Striker
Possibly the greatest non-Ghanaian player to grace the country’s football, Toure secured both the most valuable player of the league and the MTN FA Cup in 2010-11, a feat which is still unparalleled after 13 years.
The biggest ordeal of goalkeepers playing against the Burkinabe forward was that they could not predict which of his feet he would strike with.
72.Emmanuel Clottey
Notable GPL teams: Great Olympics, Berekum Chelsea
Position: Striker
His staggering goal-scoring know-how and IQ set him apart from his peers. He came into prominence after scoring 14 goals to pick the GPL top scorer award in 2006-07 as a Great Olympics asset.
The Accra-bon number nine won the 2011 GPL with the Berekum Chelsea.
71.Ofei Dodoo
Notable GPL teams: Hearts of Oak
Position: Midfielder
Dodoo entered into the early history of Hearts of Oak, helping them to their maiden league titles in 1958 and another one in 1962.
He is prominent for scoring the first goal in the first ever Hearts of Oak – Asante Kotoko league encounter in the 1958 season, with the match in question ending 4-3 in favour of the Phobians.
70.Habib Mohammed
Notable GPL teams: King Faisal, Asante Kotoko
Position: Defender
His inclusion in Ghana’s 2006 World Cup surprised many but head coach Ratomir Dujkovic was least stunned as he knew exactly the quality he was taking to Germany.
Habib did very well in the two matches he started with the Serbian boss alternating between the King Faisal left-back and Israel-based Emmanuel Pappoe.
69.Aziz Ansah
Notable GPL teams: Great Olympics, Asante Kotoko
Position: Defender
The precocious full-back was one of Kotoko’s most important players, especially in the 2003 season that saw the Reds end Hearts of Oak’s six-year title winning streak.
68.Yussif Chipsah
Notable GPL teams: King Faisal, Asante Kotoko
Position: Midfielder
When Adjah Tetteh’s peak years were over, a young Chipsah took over as the leading defensive midfielder in the West African nation.
He put up top shows on regular basis at King Faisal which earned him a big move to the Reds where he shone as they clinched the 2003 league to stop Hearts of Oak’s six-year control.
67.Oliver Acquah
Notable GPL teams: Asante Kotoko
Position: Defender
Acquah enjoyed a successful career in Kumasi, winning the 1970 Champions League and a host of other trophies for the Reds and is seen as the finest Kotoko left-back of all vintages.
66.Shila Illiasu
Notable GPL teams: King Faisal, Asante Kotoko
Position: Defender
Shila had an excellent height for a central defender and no wonder he succeeded in the role.
The younger brother of Shila Alhassan, played all four of Black Stars’ 2006 World Cup games in Germany as Ratomir Dujkovic preferred the local player to the veteran Sammy Kuffour.
65.Issah Ahmed
Notable GPL teams: Dawu Youngsters, Great Olympics, Asante Kotoko
Position: Defender
Issah was taken to the 2006 African Cup of Nations and FIFA World Cup by Ghana head coach Dujkovic. Such was the faith the expatriate trainer had in the Kotoko defender who won two league trophies in Kumasi in 2003 and 2005 before he went to Sweden to play for Randers FC.
64.P.S.K Paha
Notable GPL teams: Hasaacas
Position: Defender
P.S.K Paha made name at Sekondi Hasaacas as one of the strongest defenders in the GPL.
63.Isaac Paha
Notable GPL teams: Hasaacas
Position: Defender
Isaac Paha, who is the younger brother of former Ghana international, P.S.K. Paha, was the assistant captain of the Black Stars squad that won the 1982 AFCON.
The Hasaacas great counts the 1985 FA Cup as his only major club silverware, but he sits on the list thanks to his technique as a defender.
62.Eric Bekoe
Notable GPL teams: Heart of Lions, Liberty Professionals, Asante Kotoko, Berekum Chelsea, Hasaacas
Position: Striker
The goal machine bagged 27 goals across all competitions in 2007-08 including 17 strikes to finish as top scorer of the league.
Bekoe makes this rich list for his amazing finishing and Kotoko were going to find it hard to win the 2008 league title without his substantial efforts.
61.Isaac Amoako
Notable GPL teams: BA United, Asante Kotoko
Position: Goalkeeper
Amoako’s fourteen-year career in the Ghana Premier League spanned United and Kotoko.
After four years with the Sunyani-based side, he joined the Reds in 2007 and left after a decade after aiding the Porcupine Warriors to four league honors in 2008, 2012, 2013, and 2014.
60.Awuley Quaye
Notable GPL teams: Great Olympics
Position: Defender
The influential defender stood out in a modest Great Olympics team and was captain of the title-winning Ghana team at the 1978 AFCON
59.Kwasi Owusu
Notable GPL teams: Bofokwa Tano
Position: Striker
The ”Powerhouse” of Ghana football was a colossus and was consistent in a 10-year dedicated service for Bofoakwa Tano from 1966 to 1976.
When trophies are mentioned, Owusu does not come into the discussion, but he sits on the list due to his unmatched influence and contribution in making Bofo a credible GPL participant years back.
58.Soulama Abdoulaye
Notable GPL teams: Asante Kotoko, Hearts of Oak
Position: Goalkeeper
The imposing Soulama was the GPL’s finest pair of hands between 2007 and 2014 as Kotoko’s number one.
The late Burkina Faso international helped Kotoko annex four league titles in 2008, 2012, 2013, and 2014 before he joined rivals Hearts of Oak in a short spell.
57.Amosa Gbadamosi
Notable GPL teams: Hearts of Oak, Asante Kotoko
Position: Forward
When Hearts of Oak held Santos in a 2-2 friendly draw at the Accra Sports Stadium in 1969, the Brazilian team had the great Pele as their super star and Hearts of Oak’s was the venerated Amosa Gbadamosi.
He was simply the star attraction of the Phobians and commands huge respect in their chronicles.
56.Michael Akuffu
Notable GPL teams: Feyenoord, Asante Kotoko
Position: Midfielder
The midfield genius was a top-level footballer for a long period – 2011 to 2017, picking up three league laurels with the Warriors in 2012, 2013, and 2014.
Akuffo embodied typical qualities of a midfielder – control, reading of the game, passing range, and occasional goal scoring ability.
55.Daniel Nii Adjei
Notable GPL teams: Asante Kotoko
Position: Midfielder
Talent-wise, three-time Ghana Premier League winner Nii Adjei is among the most technically-endowed footballers in the GPL’s history. He was powerful, dominant, and a reliable goal scorer, too.
His big performances hardly dwindled till he left for TP Mazembe in 2013 where he achieved even bigger successes, winning the Champions League and Confederation Cup.
54.Frank Amankwah
Notable GPL teams: Asante Kotoko
Position: Defender
The former Ghana international, often referred to as ”Bayereba” by fans, was among the top-rated full-backs not only in Ghana, but across the continent.
He was a consistent performer and a key player in the Kotoko side of the 90s.
53.Emmanuel Armah
Notable GPL teams: Hearts of Oak
Position: Defender
Emmanuel Armah played for Hearts from 1991 to 1994 during his maiden spell before returning to the side for a second stint between 1995 and 1999.
Overall, Armah ”Senegal” lifted 3 GPL trophies with Hearts of Oak in 1992, 1998, and 1999.
52.Joe Okyere
Notable GPL teams: Asante Kotoko, Asante Kotoko, BA United
Position: Attacking midfielder
Okyere’s cleverness and talent made him fans favourite wherever he played.
Even in the twilight of his career, he moved to BA United to excite the Sunyani Coronation Park crowd alongside the likes of Awudu Adama, Anane Kobo, and George Arthur during a brief stint with the Apostles of Power Soccer.
51.Agyemang Duah
Notable GPL teams: Asante Kotoko, Ashantigold, Hearts of Oak
Position: Defender
Nicknamed ”Rambo”, Duah was among the very best defenders in Ghana between 1990 and 2000, and to some extent he was not far off from the top names on the continent.
After making his mark at Kotoko, he went to Ashantigold where he won the 1996 GPL title. He picks the position number 51 on the 100 Greatest Ghana Premier League players of all time 2025 list.
50.Joe Fameyeh
Notable GPL teams: Afienya United, Hearts of Oak
Position: Forward
Fameyeh did not spend too much years with Hearts of Oak, but he made the most of his two-year spell by taking two GPL honors and the top scorer award of the 1998 season.
49.Anthony Yeboah
Notable GPL teams: Cornerstones
Position: Forward
Before the esteemed attacker excelled in the Bundesliga at Eintracht Frankfurt and Hamburger SV and in the Premier League at Leeds United, his glittering career began as a teenage sensation when he won two successive top scorer awards in the GPL in 1983 and 1984 with Cornerstones.
48.Muhammed Choo
Notable GPL teams: Real Tamale United
Position: Forward
Choo is part of the three expectational players Real Tamale United have ever produced with the others being Abedi Ayew and Mohammed Gargo.
The intelligent attacker netted 22 goals to finish as top scorer of the 1978 GPL season and repeated the feat in 1982 with 15 efforts.
47.Emmanuel Quarshie
Notable GPL teams: Sekondi Hasaacas
Position: Attacking midfielder
The offensive midfielder is seen as the best ever Hasaacas player, leading them to their only Ghana Premier League title victory in 1977.
Quarshie was a domineering figure and his top displays attracted Egypt’s Zamalek to come for his signature and over there he justified the faith by helping them to the 1984 Egypt Premier League trophy.
46.James Kuuku Dadzie
Notable GPL teams: Sekondi Hasaacas, Asante Kotoko
Position: Defender
Kuuku is popular among both fans of Hasaacas and Kotoko. He distinguished himself as one of the finest ball-playing center backs and he did it remarkably in a period where defenders’ quality on the ball was not a key requirement.
Regarded as one of the greatest Ghanaian center-backs of all time, Dadzie was also a member of the Black Stars team that won the 1978 Africa Cup of Nations.
45.Ben Acheampong
Notable GPL teams: Asante Kotoko
Position: Defender
Not to be confused with the striker Ben Acheampong ”Aguero”, the defender was not only successful at club side, but also he excelled internationally. He won two league titles with Kotoko as well as two Africa Cup of Nations with Ghana in 1963 and 1965, being the joint-top scorer of the latter with 3 goals.
44.Joseph Agyemang-Gyau
Notable GPL teams: BA United, Real Republicans
Position: Winger
The Brong Ahafo United legend was selected to Real Republicans when Kwame Nkrumah formed a model club to serve as a talent supplier for the Black Stars.
Agyemang-Gyau earns his place as one of the thrilling wingers in the local game back in the sixties.
43.Kenneth Sarpong
Notable GPL teams: Ebusua Dwarfs
Position: Winger
Sarpong joined Hearts of Oak in 1995 and formed part of Jones Attuqueyefieyo’s successful regime.
The speedster won six league titles on the trot between 1996 and 2002.
42.Anane Kobo
Notable GPL teams: Real Tamale United, Asante Kotoko, BA United
Position: Forward
When it comes to goal scoring, Kobo is highly placed having won the GPL goal king title twice in 1983 and 1984 as Real Tamale United player.
The prolific attacker later took his talent to Kotoko and BA United before he drew the curtains down on a decent career.
41.Frimpong Manso
Notable GPL teams: Cornerstones, Asante Kotoko
Position: Defender
The 1992 AFCON star for Ghana won the 1991, 1992, and 1993 leagues with Kotoko.
Manso, who is the current coach of Bibiani Gold Stars, was regarded as one of the tough-tackling center backs in the country in a very competitive era of Ghana league football.
40.George Alhassan
Notable GPL teams: Great Olympics
Position: Forward
The two-time AFCON winner left an everlasting mark at Great Olympics where he won the 1974 league title. Alhassan also finished the 1977 GPL campaign as the leading goal scorer.
39.Kofi Deblah
Notable GPL teams: Ashantigold,
Position: Striker
The renowned forward was Ghana Premier League top scorer in 1995-96 and 1996-97 with Ashantigold then known as Goldfields. He made his reputation largely thanks to his ability to score with both feet and the head.
38.Dogo Moro
Notable GPL teams: Asante Kotoko
Position: Defender
The lanky center-back was best known for his dominance in the air. He was a member of the Kotoko team that won the maiden FA Cup in 1958 and the 1959 Ghana league. Moro alongside Baba Yara were the two Kotoko talents picked to joined Kwame Nkrumah’s model club Real Republicans.37.Thomas Boakye Notable GPL teams: Cornerstones, Asante KotokoPosition: ForwardThe ”Zion train” was best known for his speed and scoring rate. He lifted three GPL titles in a row in 1991, 1992, and 1993 and was the league’s top scorer during the former season.
36.Stephen Oduro
Notable GPL teams: Real Tamale United, Asante Kotoko
Position: Midfielder
Oduro is a folk hero in Kotoko’s rich tale and achieved his venerated status after serving the Kumasi giants for 16 years – from 2000 to 2016.
He was pivotal to the side’s 2003 league success and help them to add more honors in 2005, 2008, 2012, 2013, and 2014.
Though his playing minutes drastically reduced starting from the 2010s due to the emergence of young talents like Daniel Adei, Jordan Opoku, and Michael Akuffo. .
35.Mama Acquah
Notable GPL teams: Hearts of Oak
Position: Forward
Hearts of Oak’s history would not be complete without the legend of Mama Acquah, a vital part of the the celebrated ”fearsome five” of the 1970s that ruled the local game.
There was Mohammed Polo, Peter Lamptey, Robert Hammond, Anas Seidu, but Mama was a different breed of a 70s footballer. He captained the Phobians for several seasons and retired with his place on the pantheon of Hearts of Oak icons assured.
34.Robert Hammond
Notable GPL teams: Hearts of Oak
Position: Midfielder
Robert Hammond was a big part of Hearts of Oak’s ”fearsome five”, helping the team to four league silverware.
The varied skill set of the late star made him a special player capable of excelling in all midfield roles.
33.Anas Seidu
Notable GPL teams: Hearts of Oak
Position: Striker
The attacker, who was part of Ghana’s 1978 AFCON winning side, teamed up with Mohammed Polo, Peter Lamptey, Robert Hammond, and Mama Acquah to form the legendary ”fearsome five” at Hearts of Oak as the Phobians dominated the local top-flight for majority of the seventies.
His power earned him the byname ”Thunderman” as he scored lots of wonderful goals either playing as the main center forward or a wide attacker.
32.Joe Debrah
Notable GPL teams: Asante Kotoko
Position: Forward
Debrah is rated as one of the most gifted Ghanaian footballers of all time. Spent 8 years to help Kotoko build a dynasty in the 1990s, clinching the GPL three times in a row in 1991, 1992, and 1993.
”Afriki Joe” was always compared to contemporary icon Shamo Quaye as the duo lit up the local game with their dazzling skills.
The distinguished Kotoko and GPL figure, who was said to have scored against Hearts of Oak in every encounter, died in October 2023.
31.Abukari Gariba
Notable GPL teams: Asante Kotoko
Position: Striker
Gariba’s ruthlessness in front of goal earned his the nickname ”Goal na me hwehwe” which translates into English as ”Goal is what I am after”.
The late forward literally won the 1970 Champions League for Kotoko, scoring in both legs of the final against Congolese side TP Englebert.
With Gariba in Kotoko’s attack, the Reds won the 1967, 1968, 1969, and 1972 league titles.
30.Shamo Quaye
Notable GPL teams: Hearts of Ok
Position: Attacking midfielder
The revered Hearts of Oak payer was a pure excitement to watch between 1986 to 1993. He was a key component of the famed ”Musical Youth” – a group of young talented Hearts of Oak players of the late 1980s.
Quaye and his friends guided Hearts to their first league title in five years when they annexed the 1990 Ghana Premier League to end Kotoko’s three-year supremacy.
29.Joseph Carr
Notable GPL Teams: Sekondi Hasaacas, Asante Kotoko, Great Olympics, Ebusua Dwarfs.
Position: Goalkeeper
Carr enters the top ten on the 100 Greatest Ghana Premier League players of all time 2025 standings thanks to his 4 leagues lifted in 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983 as well as 1 Africa Cup of Champions Clubs in 1983 all with Asante Kotoko.
The unforgettable keeper made four AFCON tournament appearances for Ghana and won the trophy twice in 1978 and 1982.
28.Malik Jabir
Notable GPL teams: Asante Kotoko
Position: Forward
The Wa-born striker won four league trophies and the 1970 African Cup of Champions Clubs with Kotoko where he netted in the second-leg final against TP Englebert/TP Mazembe.
Even though Jabir, who serves as the current technical director of Asante Kotoko, hardly topped the goal scorers chart, he was said to be a reliable scorer in crucial matches of the season.
27.Cecil Jones Attuquayefieyo
Notable GPL teams: Great Olympics, Accra Steadfast FC, Real Republicans
Position: Attacking midfielder
Before Jones rose to the pinnacle of the Ghanaian coaching sector, he first of all made name in the country on the pitch as one of the most prominent players of the 70s. The iconic figure, who passed away in May 2015, is arguably Olympics’ greatest player of all eras with two league honors in 1970 and 1974.
Jones, widely regarded as the greatest Ghanaian club manager of all period, helped Ghana to the 1965 AFCON title as a member of CK Gyamfi’s Black Stars.
26.Nii Dodoo Ankrah
Notable GPL teams: Real Republicans
Position: Goalkeeper
Ankrah enters the assemblage of Ghana Premier League greats for his exceptional goalkeeping for Real Republicans and the Ghana national football team with whom he enjoyed major success at AFCON 1963 and 1965.
Voted the footballer of the year in 1960, such was the status of the Dodoo Ankrah
25.Karim Abdul Razak
Notable GPL teams: Cornerstones, Asante Kotoko
Position: Attacking midfielder
The ”Golden Boy” won the 1981 league with Kotoko. Before that, he was voted 1978 African footballer of the year becoming the second Ghanaian and Kotoko player to lay hands on the coveted France Football accolade after Sunday Ibrahim.
Razak is at number 25 on the 100 Greatest Ghana Premier League players of all time 2025 list.
24.Edward Acquah
Notable GPL teams: Sekondi Eleven Wise, Real Republicans
Position: Striker
His legend cut across both club and national team football having being successful with Eleven Wise, Kwame Nkrumah-formed Republicans and the Black Stars of Ghana.
He won the 1963 African Cup of Nations. Acquah scored twice in the final as Ghana humbled Sudan 3-0 to annex its maiden AFCON title at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Acquah picked up two league titles (1962, 1963) and 3 FA Cup honors (1963, 1964, 1965) with Real Republicans.
23.Addo Odametey
Notable GPL teams: Hearts of Oak, Real Republicans
Position: Defender
One of the early heroes of Accra Hearts of Oak who went on to become a national icon, Odametey was a respected central defender in the 60s.
As Black Stars skipper, he led Ghana to three AFCON finals in 1963, 1965, and 1968, lifting the first two trophies while losing the latter.
22.Wilberforce Mfum
Notable GPL teams: Asante Kotoko
Position: Forward
The notable striker secured three league silverware with Kotoko between 1963 and 1967 before joining Baltimore Bays in Maryland.
What made him unique was his brute force, sheer striking power and, ability to score from outside the 18-yard area. In the 1963 AFCON, he bagged two goals as Ghana lifted its first continental title on home soil.
21.Dan Owusu
Notable GPL teams: Bofoakwa Tano
Position: Attacking midfielder
Owusu made the cut for the 100 greatest Ghana Premier League players of all time due to the fact that he a joint-record owner of most GPL top scorer awards – 3 times alongside Ishmael Addo. His record is even more remarkable given he played mainly as an offensive midfielder.
The Bofoakwa Tano legend rack up 24 goals in the 1974 GPL season, 26 in 1975, and 28 in 1976 to become the first player to win the championship’s top scorer award three times on the bounce, with the record equaled by Addo 25 years later.
20.Baba Yara
Notable GPL teams: Asante Kotoko
Position: Winger
His name was Osman Seidu and has the reputation for being the best winger in the country during his Kotoko vintage. Baba Yara make the top 20 mainly due to his pioneering impact on Asante Kotoko and the Ghana Premier League.
In recognition of the his talent and contribution to the Reds and Ghana, the Kumasi Sports Stadium was renamed after him as the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
19.Robert Mensah
Notable GPL teams: Asante Kotoko
Position: Goalkeeper
Th cap-wearing shot stopper is widely respected as the greatest Ghanaian goalkeeper of all generations.
The skillful Robert Mensah left a mark on the country’s football with his heroics in between the sticks. He landed three league titles at Kotoko in 1964, 1965, and 1967, and added African glory when Kotoko secured the 1970 African Cup of Champions Clubs.
18.Adolf Armah
Notable GPL teams: Hearts of Oak
Position: Winger
Regarded as one of the leading defenders of his generation, Armah played for Accra Hearts of Oak from the 1975 to 1983.
He secured 3 league titles in 1976, 1978, and 1979 plus two FA Cups in 1979 and 1981 with Hearts of Oak.
In 1979, Adolf Armah was recognized as the second best African Footballer of the Year behind Cameroonian goalkeeper Thomas N´kono.
17.Opoku Afriyie
Notable GPL teams: Asante Kotoko, Hearts of Oak
Position: Forward
His was nicknamed ”Bayie” which translates into English as ”wizard” due to his magic in front of goal. Afriyie was Kotoko’s main man back in the days.
He was pivotal as the Porcupine Warriors lifted two consecutive league honors in 1980 and 1981. He won the league’s top scorer award twice in 1979 and 1981 before making the controversial transfer to rivals Hearts of Oak prior to the 1983 season.
Even though Kotoko went ahead to win the 1983 CAF Champions League without their iconic striker of many years, the 1978 AFCON winner remained a folk hero in Kumasi and a true GPL great.
16.Dan Quaye
Notable GPL teams: Great Olympics, Hearts of Oak
Position: Defender
The outstanding ”64 Battalions” of Hearts of Oak were known more for their attacking excellence, but defensively the group was superb with the prominent full-back as one of the team’s most dependable defenders.
Dan Quaye’s high placement on this ranking is explained by the fact that he was hugely successful with the Ghanaian heavyweights during a trophy-laden spell spanning a decade between 1998 and 2008, enjoying six Premier League cups, 2 FA Cups, 1 CAF Champions League, 1 Confederation Cup, and 1 CAF Super Cup.
15.Opoku Nti
Notable GPL teams: Asante Kotoko
Position: Forward
The ”Lord of the Green Turf” played for Kotoko from 1980 to 1985 and propelled them to 4 league trophies in 1980, 1981, 1982, and 1983 as well as 1 FA Cup in 1984.
His name was etched into Kotoko’s archives after helping them to the 1983 Champions League and settles at 15th position on the 100 Greatest Ghana Premier League players of all time 2025 list.
14.Jacob Nettey
Notable GPL teams: Hearts of Oak
Position: Defender
With six Ghana Premier League silverware in 1996–97, 1997–98, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 as well as three FA Cups in 1996, 1999, and 2000, Nettey is one of the most successful players in Ghanaian club soccer.
On top of his quality, he was a good captain whom players listen to and respected.
13.Peter Lamptey
Notable GPL teams: Hearts of Oak, Great Olympics
Position: Striker
Lamptey was referred to as the ”goal thief” for his goal scoring aptness. He was a member of the famous Hearts of Oak quintet – the ”fearsome five” that thrilled fans in the seventies, with the other figures being Mama Acquah, Anas Seidu, Mohammed Polo and Robert Hammond.
The 1973 Ghana Premier League top scorer with 26 strikes powered Hearts of Oak to the 1973, 1976, 1978, and 1979 league titles.
12.Lawrence Adjah Tetteh
Notable GPL teams: Hearts of Oak
Position: Midfielder
Possibly the greatest ever GPL defensive midfielder of all time, Adjah Tetteh was a combative midfielder who occasionally scored screamers from outside the penalty box.
His energy and enthusiasm set him apart from the lots. Tetteh was an influential player in Hearts of Oak’s six-year Ghana Premier League hegemony between 1996 and 2002.
11.Sammy Adjei
Notable GPL teams: Hearts of Oak
Position: Goalkeeper
At his peak, Sammy Adjei was the finest goalkeeper you could find around, not only in Ghana, but across Africa. Won six Ghana Premier League honors in 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002.
The former Black Stars first-choice guided Hearts to a historic treble-winning season in 2000 – picking up the GPL, the Ghana FA Cup, and the CAF Champions League.
10.Bernard Don Bortey
Notable GPL teams: GHAPOHA, Hearts of Oak, Aduana FC
Position: Winger
When it comes to innate talent and pure football wizardry, the ”Serial Killer” ranks high. On top of that, Don Bortey celebrated 5 major titles with Hearts of Oak – 4 Ghana Premier League and 1 Confederation Cup.
He was reputed for scoring stunning long-range goals and for his dead ball expertise.
He left Hearts after nine successful years to join Aduana FC and there, he scored some memorable goals, especially against nemesis Asante Kotoko.
9.Charles Asampong Taylor
Notable GPL teams: Great Olympics, Hearts of Oak, Asante Kotoko
Position: Winger
After conquering Ghana and Africa with Hearts of Oak between 2000 and 2003, Charles Taylor moved to rival side Asante Kotoko in what became the most protracted and dramatic transfer saga in Ghana football of all ages.
Taylor would eventually aid Kotoko to the 2003 GPL title, halting his former team’s six-year dominance.
However, the former Black Stars player returned to the Phobians where he won two more league honors in 2007 and 2009 to take his overall trophy haul to 8 with Hearts.
8.Kwesi Appiah
Notable GPL teams: Asante Kotoko
Position: Defender
The former Black Stars player and head coach was a key man for Kotoko from 1983 to 1993 as a player, going on to win joint-record 7 league honors in 1983, 1986, 1987, 1988–89, 1990–91, 1991–92, 1992–93 (alongside Amankwah Mireku) as well as 2 FA Cups, and 1 CAF Champions League.
Appiah was acclaimed for his versatility, effective as a central defender and left-back.
7.Yaw Amankwah Mireku
Notable GPL teams: Hearts of Oak
Position: Defender
Amankwah Mireku made the top 10 not only because of his exceptional trophy haul and fine full-back play for Hearts of Oak, but also due to his leadership qualities and 10-year duration in the league.
He was the captain of the matchless ”64 Battalions” and won an unprecedented 7 league titles, a GPL record jointly held with Kwesi Appiah.
The top figure also picked up 2 FA Cups, 1 CAF Champions League, and 1 Confederation Cup.
6.Emmanuel Ofei Ansah
Notable GPL teams: Hearts of Oak, Kumapim Stars, Okwahu United
Position: Defender
Few defended better than Ofei Ansah who represented Hearts of Oak during an illustrious 13-year career from 1973 to 1986.
He assisted the Phobians to the six league triumphs in 1973, 1976, 1978, 1979, 1984, and 1986 as well as taking up 4 FA Cups in 1973, 1974, 1979, and 1981.
The outstanding GPL defender reached the CAF Champions League finals in 1977 and 1979. Unfortunately, Hearts of Oak lost them all. Luckily, Ofei would taste continental success when Ghana won the 1978 AFCON.
5.Mohammed Polo
Notable GPL teams: Hearts of Oak
Position: Attacking midfielder
Polo formed part of the Hearts of Oak famous quintuple known as the ”fearsome five” that dazzled fans in the seventies.
He earned the pet name ”dribbling magician” for his natural ability to escape his markers.
Polo, who lifted the 1978 AFCON with Ghana, powered Hearts of Oak to the 1973, 1976, 1978, and 1979 league titles and added 3 FA Cups in 1973, 1974 and 1979 to his Hearts of Oak trophy cabinet.
4.Ibrahim Sunday
Notable GPL teams: Asante Kotoko
Position: Midfielder
Sunday was the first Ghanaian player to win the CAF Africa Footballer of the Year in 1971 and he received his award from France Football, the organizers of the accolade by then.
The all-round midfielder became Ghana league champion in 1968, 1969, 1972 and 1975 with the Porcupine Warriors with whom he also clinched the 1970 CAF Africa Cup of Champions Clubs.
3.Ishmael Addo
Notable GPL teams: Hearts of Oak
Position: Forward
The petit attacker jointly holds the record of most Ghana Premier League top scorer awards alongside Dan Owusu. Addo secured the accolade with 19 goals in the 1999 season, 21 in 2000 campaign, and 22 in the 2001 term – all with Hearts of Oak.
The Accra-born striker, who was a key part of arguably the greatest Hearts of Oak team of all time – the 64 Battalions, won the GPL five times including the historic treble of the 2000 season.
Overall, Addo landed 9 trophies in a trophy-laden stint with the Continental Club Masters.
2.Osei Kofi
Notable GPL teams: Asante Kotoko
Position: Winger
Osei Kofi never played professionally abroad, but is high up the catalog of 100 best GPL players of all time for his pure talent and collective achievement.
The magical dribbler, winner of the 1963 and 1965 Africa Cup of Nations, was the face of the Ghana Premier League in its formative years and led the Reds to the championship thrice in 1964, 1965, and 1967.
Without his contributions, it would have been hard for Ghana to dominate Ghana and Africa in the 60s.
1.Emmanuel Osei Kuffour
Notable GPL teams: Ebusua Dwarfs, Hearts of Oak, Obuasi Ashantigold, Asante Kotoko
Position: Attacking midfielder
On top of the the 100 Greatest Ghana Premier League players of all time 2025 ranking is the man referred to as the ”General”. He meets all the key ranking criteria boasting an excellent combination of natural ability, silverware, and longevity. This is why he comes ahead of Osei Kofi.
Kuffour was an exceptional footballer to the extent that football fans hardly miss Hearts of Oak games during the glorious period of the Phobians from the late nineties to the mid-2000s.
The ”64 Battalions” of Hearts had the scoring genius of Ishmael Addo, the goalkeeping advantage of Sammy Adjei, the defensive cover of Agyeman Duah and co and the midfield dominance of Adjah Tetteh, but everything evolved around the maestro Osei Kuffour. He kept the the team together and made those around him better.
The iconic number ten helped Hearts to six Ghana Premier League, two FA Cups, the CAF Champions League, the maiden Confederation Cup, and the CAF Super Cup.
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