Ghana is in trouble heading into the 2022 World Cup at a time when African teams need more serenity to stay focused on their goal. But in Ghana, a story of penny pollutes the environment of soccer. The bombshell dropped by freelance journalist Collins Atta Poku has created an earthquake in the country. The media professional revealed that the Ghana Football Association would have received 800 thousand dollars (800 thousand euros) from the Ministry of Finance. A sum that was to cover the two friendly matches played against Brazil (loss by 3-0) and Nicaragua (victory by 1-0) last September.
Collins Atta Poku maintains that three deputies of the majority had informed him of the money paid to the Federation. "I contacted three members of the majority who told me that they were dismayed to learn that the Minister of Finance had paid nearly $800,000 (800 thousand euros). The money was to cover their expenses in the Brazil and Nicaragua matches", said the journalist.
The information has caused a stir in a country that is practically bankrupt. Ghana's economic difficulties continue. The country has even requested the support of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the 17th time this year 2022. The economic situation has forced 80% of the majority group in Parliament to demand the removal of the Minister of Finance Ken Ofori Atta and the Minister of State in the Presidency, Charles Adu Boahene. 800,000 to the Federation in the current crisis is a big scandal.
The Federation denies and threatens
The Ghanaian soccer authority was quick to reject the allegations as completely "false". "The news is not only false, but a lie calculated to hurt the Federation to the public. Dragging the association in the mud and defaming," the Ghana Federation defended itself. "We want to state categorically that the Bank of Ghana has not transferred any amount in connection with our friendly matches against Brazil and Nicaragua to the account of the Ghana Football Association," the body added.
The developing story is gaining more attention not just in Accra but across the continent.
