Black Stars bonus: George Afriyie replies Sports Minister

Ghana Football Association vice president George Afriyie has reacted to recent comments made by Youth and Sports Minister Nii Lantey Vanderpuaye on bonuses paid to Black Stars players.

Nii Lantey in his speech at the 41st Sports Writers Association of Ghana awards night questioned why only football teams received winning bonus during qualifiers and major tournaments.

“Can someone here tell me why we should pay winning bonuses to the football teams but not pay for other disciplines, are some Ghanaians better than others?” Lantey asked

This for George Afriyie who doubles as chairman of the Black Stars management committee says is unfortunate for the Sports Minister to make such remarks.

“l totally disagree with the sports minister on that statement, not even a second. We have over 48 division one clubs in Ghana, is it the same as boxing?” he said

“Sixteen premier league clubs, is it the same as basketball? Football is not competing with other sports disciplines. l don’t dispute that fact. We have talents in the other disciplines but football is developed by the individuals with their own money not the government.

“A clear example is Medeama who are projecting the image of Ghana in the CAF Confederation Cup. They are sponsored by an individual.” Opinions are like noses, one can agree or disagree.”