- Ghana's Amputee Football team won the AAFCON championship.
- The team's request to meet the Sports Minister was ignored.
- They received donations after visiting former President Mahama.
- The Minister finally responded after the team gained attention.
Richard Obeng, the head coach of Ghana’s national Amputee Football team, revealed that the team’s request to meet with the Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Mustapha Ussif, was initially ignored. The team had recently won the African Amputee Football Cup of Nations (AAFCON) in Egypt, their second consecutive championship win.
After their return, the team visited various personalities, including former President John Mahama, and received donations to support their financially struggling team. However, their visit to the Sports Minister did not go as planned, with the Minister reportedly displeased by the team’s prior engagements with other individuals.
Coach Obeng clarified that the team did not intend to seek support elsewhere before visiting the Ministry, and their visit to Pastor Adom Kyei was simply to express gratitude for the jerseys he provided for the tournament.
Obeng stated that the team’s visit to former President John Mahama was what finally prompted the Ministry to take action and respond to their request. The team had previously requested to present the trophy to the Minister on a specific date, but received no response until after their visit to the former President.
Coach Obeng expressed disappointment in the Ministry’s lack of support, despite their knowledge of the team’s return date and their victory in the tournament.
The team’s victory and subsequent visits to other personalities had brought attention to their financial struggles and the need for support. Coach Obeng’s revelations highlighted the challenges faced by the team and the importance of recognition and support from the Ministry and other stakeholders.
