Ghana players union slams commentator

*The Ghana players’ union (PFAG) has slammed a local football commentator Christopher Opoku for his persistent ‘personal attacks’ on some of the country’s top players.*

The body that represents the interest of all Ghanaian footballers both at home and abroad rebuked the Metro TV commentator following his campaign to oust certainplayers from the national team.

Several players including Eric Addo, the Kingston brothers, Stephen Appiah, John Mensah, Sulley Muntari Michael Essien and many others have recently complained over Mr. Opoku’s style of reporting.

His posts on social networking websites have been described as libellous by somelawyers while articles and comments on television and have not gone down well with many which prompted PFAG to react.

“Christopher Opoku has booted journalism ethics out of the window and for far too long has overstepped his boundaries with sickening personal attacks on many Ghanaian players,” a PFAG statement said.

“His views and articles expose him as having a personal hidden agenda against some members of the association.

“We want to warn that the PFAG will no longer tolerate the continuous fabrication of UNTRUE stories about some of our members

“He has chosen to be a journalist “perfect” why not a coach or a player? We think the reasons are best known to him. We think is time he leaves the players personal issues for them.

“The consequences of such false accusations, personality attacks and private life issues in public domain would not be compromised.”

Despite the PFAG’s anger over the ‘conduct’ of Mr. Opoku, the players union insists it enjoys an excellent relationship with the media in the country.

“We want state here categorically that we strongly approve the work of the football media in Ghana and we need the media to enhance the lives of footballers and the game in our country, PFAG said.

“As it is well known, all Ghanaian players are friends of the media and we will always open our doors to you and to listen to your advice.”

PFAG, which is the Ghana affiliate of the world players union Fifpro, has all of the country’s important ex and present players like Abedi Pele, Tony Yeboah, Tony Baffoe, Sammy Kuffuor and Kwame Ayew as board members.

This is the first public statement from the organisation which has been operating inGhana on the quiet for over one year.

It has been instrumental improving the welfare of all players and also succeeded in cancelling bad contract for players both at home and abroad.

When Prince Tagoe’s stand-off with Hoffenheim erupted last year, PFAG contacted the German authorities asking them to impress on the club to reinstate his contract.

They also reported the issue to Fifpro as they a sought a solution for the player’s contract to be reinstated.

PFAG is expected to be launched soon.