I joined Hearts to win Ghana Premier League - Akowuah

Hearts of Oak latest signing Malik Akowuah insists he joined the club because he felt they could win the Ghana Premier League title next season after failing to lay hands on the trophy so far in his career.

The 27-year-old opted not continue his stay with Medeama despite having two more years left with the Tarkwa-based club, and signed a three-year deal with the Phobians amid controversies.

Akowuah was a transfer target for Aduana Stars and the club's owner Nana Agyemang Badu II was rumoured to have promised him twice the deal Hearts had offered but the midfielder rejected it.

"Hearts of Oak is one of the greatest clubs in the country and on the continent at large so taking the decision to join them was not an easy one but I always wanted to go to a team which could win titles," Akowuah told Goal.

"I believe Hearts is the best club among the rest that were hoping to have me and if I didn’t believe that I was going to win the league title here, I would not have signed for them since there were other offers.

"I have not been lucky in the league because despite my efforts over the years, I am yet to win the title. I won the FA Cup with Medeama and this is the right time to add the league title to it," he added.

After Akowuah's deal was officially announced by Hearts, his former club released a statement insisting that the Phobians had induced their player and threatened that they were heading to Fifa. But the midfielder says all disagreements have been resolved, noting that he has received the blessings of Medeama owner Moses Armah 'Parker'.

"I think my departure was a bitter pill for Medeama to swallow. I don't know why there was a sudden change in mind by the club's top hierarchy leading to the press release but everything is normal now.

"I've spoken to Medeama chairman but although he was not happy with some actions of Hearts initially, he has blessed me to join them and I am happy. I served them wholeheartedly and I think he realised it is time to allow me to move."

Akowuah will soon face his former club in the Ghalca G6 tournament as Hearts have been paired with Aduana Stars and Medeama in Group B.