Ghana FA sets out plan to help retired players

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has set out its vision to help retired footballers in the country who are struggling to make ends meet.

The GFA will provide the seed money for the setting of a fund for ex-players and contributions will be sought from companies, well-wishers and the public.

GFA president Kwesi Nyantakyi revealed the plan on Thursday during a visit to the residence of Alhaji Shitu Mouda, a former Black Stars player, who has gone blind.

Several ex-players are in dire difficulty with many struggling with insufficient funds on a daily basis.

Accompanied by several former players including legend Mohammed Polo and Bashiru Gambo during the visit, Nyantakyi said plans are afoot to set up the fund to help those in need.

"There is life for everyone after football," said the Ghana FA boss said at the residence of the former Great Olympics star.

"We need to ensure that the sacrifices of such wonderful men who have served the country and their clubs with honour and dedication are always appreciated.

"So in line with the GFA's policy of helping our brothers who are in difficulty, we will set up a fund in due course to help cater for them."

The leader of Ghana football suggested other innovative ways of raising resources to help support some of the retired players.

"I suggest a special levy to be placed on sections of the stands at the stadiums which will be used purposely for the welfare of retired players in the country," Nyantakyi said at the meeting in Zabon Zongo, in the Ghanaian capital, Accra.

The Ghana FA chief asked the retired footballers to form effective body which will advance their cause.

"The GFA will always try to help but it is more imperative that there is one union for every retired player to belong to," he said.

"It makes it easier formulating programmes to their benefit. I urge all retired players to close their ranks and support each other," the GFA President said.

The GFA President made a cash donation to Alhaji Mouda at the meeting which was also attended by the family of the ailing ex-player.

"It's a delight for me to be here. We all come from different backgrounds but football is a game that unites everybody no matter where you are coming from," the Ghana FA chief said

"It unites various races and religion and also brings different generations together," Nyantakyi said at the meeting.