The Sports Minister Mahama Ayariga has placed a suspension on airlifting of cash by the country’s sports officials to any future tournament to pay players.
The newly appointed Minister made this known when he met ex-football administrators and former and present football association officials at a retreat in Accra.
His decision comes after the Black Stars of Ghana demanded their appearance fees be paid them in cash before their final group game with Portugal at the 2014 World Cup, compelling the government to airlift $3 million dollars in cash to Brazil, an act which made Ghana a subject of global ridicule.
Former deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Joseph Yamin explained that the Ministry wanted to use an e-banking transaction, but the players insisted they wanted physical cash payments.
Ghana however failed to advance to the knockout stages of the tournament after losing to Portugal in their final game.
Ghana FA president, Kwesi Nyantakyi attributed the failure by the Black Stars to cross the first round at this year’s World Cup to the “appearance fee syndrome.”
The former Information and Media Relations Minister also vowed to redeem Ghana’s football image following an embarrassing exit from the 2014 World Cup.
Addressing a team of eminent football administrators and personalities the minister said he is “committed to redeeming the image of football in the world.”
“I am also committed to developing the quality of football in Ghana,” he added.
60 eminent football administrators, including Abedi Pele, Stephen Appiah, Randy Abbey, Dr Nyaho Tamakloe, Akua Sena Dansua and Mr Rashid Pelpuo were named by the Sports Minister to review Ghana’s football and make recommendations.
Source: GhanaWeb
