A former Deputy Minister for Education and Sports, Mr Osei Bonsu Amoah also Known as O.B. Amoah has called for proper management of the senior national team, the Black Stars to avoid humiliation at international tournaments.
He has also underscored the need for Ghana to call-up players who are highly committed and willing to play for the national team.
The suggestions of Mr O. B. Amoah who is currently a Deputy Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development followed the shambolic performance and the painful exit of the Black Stars at the ongoing AFCON 21 tournament in Cameroon.
The Black Stars were knocked out of the competition after their tragic defeat to first timers Comoros, Morocco and 1-1 draw with Gabon in group C.
As a result of poor team work, many football lovers have suggested that local players should be called up for the national team as they would have long camping periods for international competitions.
However, Mr O. B. Amoah, a former football administrator and the Member of Parliament (MP) for Akuapem South believes simply assembling the local players for the Black Stars cannot be the long-term solution.
“As former member of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Chairman of Black Stars Management Committee and later deputy minister for Education and Sports, I have so much to say, but not at this time and place.
“I don’t agree that we should use local players but the best available and willing to play. We have Ghanaians in the EPL, for instance, who didn’t respond to the call. They are at liberty to decide when to play for us.
“The so-called local players are ready to be transferred to lower leagues in Africa, Asia and Europe for pittance simply because the clubs in Ghana can’t afford to keep players for a long time and to pay them respectable salaries”, Mr O. B Amoah told THE CUSTODIAN.
According to him, no country can set up long training camps because of the global calendar and congestion.
“We need a technical team to appreciate the present situation and manage it better.
“My attitude has always been that the national team is for the nation entrusted in the government.
“I think we can do far better than what we see now and we need to work towards it. Football and for that matter Sports must contribute a lot to our economy and wellbeing”, the former Deputy Minister for Education and Sports stated.
