Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah on Thursday shed tears while giving evidence about the Black Stars’ poor performance at the recent World Cup tournament.
Recounting how events unfolded in Brazil, Mr. Ankrah said Ghana’s dream of excelling was dashed by the players unreasonable demands.
“They[Black Stars] had been assured that they will definitely get their money before the next month. They were professionals and they knew that to win matches they had to prepare. Once they did not prepare adequately, it was going to affect their performance.
Eventually, even though it came on the eve of match, they still got the money. By not preparing for the match they couldn’t deliver and yet they got the money,” the Former Minister said.
Mr. Ankrah was specifically moved to tears when Justice Dzamefe asked him how he felt about the players’ decision not to play for two days.
Mr. Justice had to console him, repeatedly saying, “ don’t be emotional, relax. We are helping mother Ghana.”
The Ghana Black Stars failed to make it past the first round at 2014 World Cup after they were defeated by Portugal in their final group game.
The Commission of Inquiry was set up by government to investigate the team’s poor performance as well as the scandals that resulted from Ghana’s participation at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
By: Marian Efe Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @EfeAnsah