13th June, 2014

The Daily Graphic and the Ghanaian Times write on the statement by Deputy Sports Minister on the composition of Ghana's supporters to Brazil. The papers are disappointed some politicians ride on the back of the power behind sports to popularise themselves. They say Ghanaians sent to Brazil to support the Black stars are not supposed to serve any political or personal interests. The statement by the Deputy Minister, Joseph Yammin, is that the five hundred fans being sponsored to Brazil will be dominated by members of the ruling NDC. This, the papers believe is uncalled for and bane on national unity. 

The Today Newspaper also finds it unfortunate the statement by the Deputy Minister, alleged to have said the five hundred supporters who will be flown to Brazil to support the Black Stars will solely be sympathizers and foot-soldiers of the ruling NDC. The statement according to the paper is to show the party’s appreciation to NDC supporters for working tirelessly in retaining the party in power in the 2012 general elections. The paper wants to believe that the deputy minister was either misquoted or misconstrued but if not, then he must retract and apologise to all Ghanaians for making such statement. The Today Newspaper emphasises that politics must not be tolerated in soccer and that is why players were warned ahead of this world cup not to inscribe anything in their underwear to incur the wrath of FIFA.

GBC