Sports Ministry Deny Black Stars Bonus Slash

The Ghana Ministry of Sports has denied bonus cuts ahead of the FIFA World Cup qualifying game against Comoros.

Earlier reports indicated the bonuses were slashed from $10 000 to $5 000 due to financial constraints at the Sports Ministry. Asamoah Gyan, captain of the senior national team of Ghana shared his view on the situation claiming the bonus slash was an unfair decision.

The Black Stars captain said:

“To tell you the truth I am quite upset with this. I think it is an issue against personalities.

“We as footballers should also be considered as workers and after a hard day’s work, one needs to get paid. “I don’t think when I hang up my boots and I fall sick I will go into the office of a Minister and say because I played for the national team he should give me money to take care of my medical expenses.

“We are not slaves so such things cannot be enforced in the manner in which I hear it is being enforced.”

Spokesperson of the Sports Ministry, Otto Plahar however denied the reports concerning the bonus cut in an interview with Starr FM claiming a decision has not been reached.

Otto Plahar said:

“This was not discussed at the last meeting and it is unfortunate that these things are in the public domain.”

Black Stars have started training at the Accra Sports Stadium ahead of game against Comoros at the Stade Said Mohamed Cheikh in Moroni. The team is expected to travel from Accra on Wednesday for the game in Comoros, two days ahead of the fixture on Friday.