BT Baba proposes huge support for Stars

The ex-chief of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) B.T. Baba says government must not downsize its support for the senior male national football team the Black Stars insisting players must be motivated and pampered to bring honours to the country.

Certain elements within government are embarking on a surreptitious campaign to have the bonuses of the Black Stars reduced, a cause championed by deputy sports minister Oppong Asamoah.

Baba, who is now an MP for the ruling NDC party, is touted across Africa as one of the best sports administrators having led Ghana to successes in several international competitions.

However he was crudely removed from his GOC post through a secretly organised election at midnight by the elements within his own government who are now seeking to wrestle control of the national football team from the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

With several shambolic decisions by the current sports minister Mustapha Ahmed and his deputy which led the the Black Queens protest over their bonuses for winning gold at the All African Games, the sports ministry is poised for a change with a reshuffle by the country’s president looming.

Baba, who is the most experienced hand in sports administration in the ruling government, is tipped to be handed charge the sports ministry to whip the struggling sector under Mustapha into shape with national elections set for next year.

Despite the quest by some elements within government seeking to wrestle control of the national football team, Baba says offering the Black Stars the needed motivation will bring laurels to the country.

“We shouldn’t think negatively that the players are pampered. If players are not pampered how would they get the motivation to pay? ,” Baba asked rhetorically in an interview.

“For instance whenever Kotoko and Hearts of Oak have any encounter, supporters of either side promise their players to get them motivated and that is a form of motivation.

“Every sports man wants to be motivated.If you are the president or the head of state and at the highest level players decide to boycott a tournament, first of all it is a disgrace to the nation, but the players don’t care.”

The Black Stars have not been paid their bonuses by the sports ministry despite several promises since Dr. Mustapha took over in the middle of this year.