By Kwamina Mbra Panford.
It is very disturbing to read that Sulley Muntari has been dropped from the Ghanaian African Cup Squad. I am appealing to Ghanaians to reason with me and help re-instate Sulley Muntari.
Sulley Muntari is undoubtedly an experienced, world class player who plays with all his skills energy and heart for Ghana. I was at the 2008 African Cup and saw Ghana against Nigeria at the Quarter - Finals. Sulley willed Ghana into the semi- finals by his skills, determination and heart. I said to myself “if every Ghanaian demonstrates this effort in whatever task we are performing for the nation, we wouldn’t be a beggar nation.”
It seems that some of our GAFA officials are of the mind – set that we have Kwadwo Asamoah, Anthony Annan and the new Kevin Boateng and so to heck with Sulley - what have you done for me lately? I concede that Sulley may have disciplinary problems. Ghana is one of the most blessed countries with talent and resources in Africa. Our leaders however have not helped us fully mine and enjoy our God – given blessings. Can’t our leaders get together and patch – up coach Milovam Rajevac and Sulley? What good is a Sports Minister if he can’t get one of our prized footballers back into the fold? Let’s go beyond our pettiness and reach for the glory of our dear Ghana.
Yes, nobody is indispensable to the Black Stars. However before we get to that level – Sulley has apologized – we have to make our best effort to put our best foot forward (in the African Cup). While dropping Sulley from the African Cup may be a lesson for other footballers, some of them may also wonder how fickle our leaders react when something goes wrong. Are you surprised that Michael Essien is upset?
While discussing Sulley, we should also think deeply about our coach Rajevac who is a Serbian. Ghana’s 1st world cup opponent is Serbia – food for thought.
Hon. President Atta Mills please make sure all decent effort is made to put Sulley back. Accountable govt means the buck stops at your desk. Tpanford@msn.com
