George Afriyie questions Benjamin Asare’s reward over Salim Adams

Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) Vice President, George Afriyie, has questioned the decision to reward Black Stars goalkeeper, Benjamin Asare, ahead of players who have remained committed to the Ghana Premier League.

In an interview with Sporty FM , and monitored by GhanaWeb on August 25, 2026, Afriyie argued that while Asare benefited financially from his involvement with the Black Stars, when local league players such as former Medeama SC midfielder Salim Adams deserved greater recognition and incentives to remain in Ghana.

According to him, Asare reportedly earned a $100,000 World Cup appearance fee, a winning bonus of about $40,000, as well as, per diem payments during his time with the national team.

“Between Benjamin Asare, who went to the World Cup to claim $100,000 appearance fee, who got a winning bonus of about $40,000 and per diem, and the man who is in the local league, who should be rewarded?” Afriyie fumed.

He expressed concern that rewarding national team players ahead of outstanding local league performers could further encourage Ghanaian footballers to leave the domestic league.

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Afriyie specifically referenced Salim Adams, whose departure to Sudan came as Medeama prepared to participate in CAF inter-club competition.

“When you do this, why would Salim not go to Sudan? Medeama, the league champions of Ghana, are going to take part in CAF inter-club competition and their best player is with his opponent in Sudan,” he decried.

According to Afriyie, significant rewards could motivate talented players to remain in the Ghana Premier League for longer and help strengthen the competition.

“If Salim had received this kind of reward, he would say, ‘If I’m going to get a $30,000 car, then I might as well stay one more year in the league and help my club participate in Africa,’” he said.

He concluded that such incentives are crucial to retain local talents if stakeholders genuinely want to make the Ghana Premier League competitive.

George Afriyie believes Medeama SC former midfielder Salim Adams deserved the $38,000 car and $5,000 more than Benjamin Asare. #SportyBreakfast pic.twitter.com/O3xTV3kvkV

— SportyFM Ghana (@SportyFM_) August 24, 2026